1973 Mazda 818 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 930 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.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 818. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Mazda 818 has manual transmission. 1973 Mazda 818 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda 818 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1270 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2520 mm |
