1972 Mazda 818 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 13 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 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 542 kg more than 1972 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 818. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1972 Mazda 818 has manual transmission. 1972 Mazda 818 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda 818 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2810 mm |
