1975 Mazda 818 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1975 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1427 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.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mazda 818 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2720 mm |
