1976 Mazda 818 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 22 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 118 kg more than 1976 Mazda 818.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | A |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2430 mm |
