1971 Mazda 818 vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1971 Mazda 818. (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1971 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda 818. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mazda 818 | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 818 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
