1975 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 121 (59 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1975 Honda Civic. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 386 kg more than 1975 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda Civic. (80 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda Civic | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1238 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1064 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2460 mm |
