1972 Honda Civic vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 1977 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 121 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Mazda 121 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 1977 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Honda Civic, 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, 1977 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (100 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
