1996 Honda Civic vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 121 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1977 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
