2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 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 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 860 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 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 818. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 159 | 818 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2320 mm |
