1988 Mazda 323 vs. 1974 Mazda 818
To start off, 1988 Mazda 323 is newer by 14 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 1,323 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 818 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1988 Mazda 323. 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, 1988 Mazda 323, 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, 1988 Mazda 323 (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda 323 | 1974 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2320 mm |
