1998 Mazda 121 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 121 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 121 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 121 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 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 |
