1971 Mazda 818 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 33 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mazda 818 (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 350 kg more than 1971 Mazda 818.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (125 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda 818. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mazda 818 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
