1974 Mazda 818 vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 580 kg more than 1974 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda 818 | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 818 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2530 mm |
