1999 Fiat Punto vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1999 Fiat Punto is newer by 20 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, 1999 Fiat Punto (130 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1999 Fiat Punto.
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, 1999 Fiat Punto, 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, 1999 Fiat Punto (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Punto | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | 121 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
