1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 121 (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 209 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 121 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2400 mm |
