1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, both 1979 Mazda 121 and 1979 Honda Civic were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 339 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. 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, 1979 Honda Civic, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 121 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2330 mm |
