1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Mazda 818
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mazda 818 (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mazda 818 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1971 Mazda 818 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1971 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 818 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2290 mm |
