1995 Mazda 121 vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 1995 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 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 1,322 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mazda 121 (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1995 Mazda 121.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Mazda 121, 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, 1995 Mazda 121 (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda 121 | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 121 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1322 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2320 mm |
