1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mazda 818 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 (138 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2760 mm |
