2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 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 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 400 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 818 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2320 mm |
