1971 Mazda 818 vs. 1984 Saab 900
To start off, 1984 Saab 900 is newer by 13 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1971 Mazda 818. (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Saab 900 weights approximately 370 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.
Because 1971 Mazda 818 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 1971 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Saab 900, 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, 1984 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda 818. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mazda 818 | 1984 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | 818 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2530 mm |
