1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 174 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1300 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
