2001 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 23 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 818 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 818 (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (62 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. 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, 2001 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 2001 Daihatsu Copen (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Daihatsu Copen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Daihatsu Copen | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Copen | 818 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2320 mm |
