1976 Mazda 818 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 3 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda 818 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1979 Volvo 343.
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, 1979 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 818 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
