1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1966 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1978 Mazda 818 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 5 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1978 Mazda 818 (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1966 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 818 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2380 mm |
