2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Mazda 818
To start off, 2004 Ford Fiesta is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mazda 818 (80 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mazda 818 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 297 kg more than 1971 Mazda 818.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1971 Mazda 818 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Mazda 818 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 818 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2290 mm |
