1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 19 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 320 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 818 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 818 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cavalier | 818 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2320 mm |
