1976 Mazda 818 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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. Both 1976 Mazda 818 and 1980 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,272 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda 818 (68 HP) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda 818 weights approximately 122 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2480 mm |
