1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 19 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 155 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 818 | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
