2004 Acura NSX vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2004 Acura NSX is newer by 26 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Acura NSX weights approximately 570 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, 2004 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818. 2004 Acura NSX 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. 2004 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura NSX | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 818 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2320 mm |
