1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1990 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1990 Peugeot 309 is newer by 12 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Peugeot 309 (78 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 Peugeot 309.
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, 1990 Peugeot 309, 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, 1990 Peugeot 309 (159 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1990 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 818 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2480 mm |
