1973 Mazda 818 vs. 1998 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,270 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 121 weights approximately 111 kg more than 1973 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121, 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, 1998 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda 818 | 1998 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 818 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1270 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2460 mm |
