1974 Mazda 818 vs. 1961 Renault 4
To start off, 1974 Mazda 818 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1961 Renault 4. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1961 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 818 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1961 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Renault 4, 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, 1974 Mazda 818 (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Renault 4. (51 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda 818 | 1961 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 818 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 51 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2410 mm |
