1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf 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. Both 1978 Mazda 818 and 1990 Volkswagen Golf are equipped with a 1,272 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 818 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2340 mm |
