1972 Mazda 818 vs. 1974 Mini MK III
To start off, 1974 Mini MK III is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mazda 818 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1974 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Mini MK III, 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, 1972 Mazda 818 (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1972 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda 818 | 1974 Mini MK III | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 818 | MK III |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2040 mm |
