1978 Citroen CX vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Citroen CX (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Citroen CX weights approximately 131 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX, 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, 1978 Citroen CX (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen CX | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | 121 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
