1978 Honda Civic vs. 1992 Mazda 121
To start off, 1992 Mazda 121 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,324 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda 121 (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mazda 121 weights approximately 142 kg more than 1978 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, 1992 Mazda 121 (105 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1992 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2460 mm |
