1994 Ford Contour vs. 1976 Mazda 818
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Contour weights approximately 240 kg more than 1976 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour, 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, 1994 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1976 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 818 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2320 mm |
