1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1974 Mazda 818
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 220 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1974 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | 818 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2320 mm |
