1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1975 Mazda 818
To start off, 1975 Mazda 818 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1975 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 218 kg more than 1975 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta, 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1975 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | 818 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2320 mm |
