1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2011 BMW 323
To start off, 2011 BMW 323 is newer by 33 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818.
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, 2011 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2011 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 818 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2770 mm |
