1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 34 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1950 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2570 mm |
