1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 121 weights approximately 403 kg more than 1977 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Fiat 126 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 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1998 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
