2008 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 29 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 146 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
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, 2008 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 121 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
