1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1998 Acura EL
To start off, 1998 Acura EL is newer by 20 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Acura EL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura EL (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura EL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura EL weights approximately 79 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, 1998 Acura EL, 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, 1998 Acura EL (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Acura EL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1998 Acura EL | |
| Make | Mazda | Acura |
| Model | 818 | EL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2619 mm |
