1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Vega is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | 121 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1064 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2460 mm |
