1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1978 Mazda 818 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 245 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 394 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 Volvo 245 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 818 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2650 mm |
