1989 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1989 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1989 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1989 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 489 kg more than 1989 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Fiat 126 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
