1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 18 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 613 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.
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, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 818 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2670 mm |
