1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2480 mm |
