1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2004 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2004 Peugeot 407 is newer by 26 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Peugeot 407 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Peugeot 407 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 560 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, 2004 Peugeot 407, 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, 2004 Peugeot 407 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Peugeot 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2004 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 818 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2710 mm |
