1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1979 Mazda Montrose is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda Montrose weights approximately 140 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. 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 Montrose (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
