1971 Fiat 124 vs. 1999 Mazda 121
To start off, 1999 Mazda 121 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,241 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 121 weights approximately 79 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 1999 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1241 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2460 mm |
