2005 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 26 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, 2005 Honda Civic (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 27 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1671 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
