1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mazda 818 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2870 mm |
