1978 BMW M1 vs. 1973 Mazda 818
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1973 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1973 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M1 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2320 mm |
