1971 Mazda 818 vs. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1971 Mazda 818. (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 329 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, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda 818. (124 Nm). This means 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mazda 818 | 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
