1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 368 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2410 mm |
