1975 Mazda 818 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1975 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 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.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda 818. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1975 Mazda 818 has manual transmission. 1975 Mazda 818 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mazda 818 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 818 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2340 mm |
