1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 27 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 558 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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 818 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2650 mm |
