2005 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 62 kg more than 1981 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
