1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2010 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2010 Fiat Croma is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 194 kg more than 2010 Fiat Croma.
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, 2010 Fiat Croma, 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, 2010 Fiat Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2010 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 121 | Croma |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
