1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 5 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 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 160 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | 818 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2320 mm |
