2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 506 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818. 2000 BMW Z3 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. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | 818 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2320 mm |
