1987 Mazda 626 vs. 1974 Mazda 818
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 13 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 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 240 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 626 | 1974 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 626 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2320 mm |
