1976 Mazda 818 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 242 kg more than 1976 Mazda 818. 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2520 mm |
