1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 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 72 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 618 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
