1976 Mazda 818 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda 818 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1976 Mazda 818 (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2410 mm |
