1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2007 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2007 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818.
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, 2007 Nissan Frontier, 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, 2007 Nissan Frontier (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818. 2007 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 818 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 818 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2007 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 818 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 3200 mm |
