Small Cars Compared, 1975.

"Berang" (berang) 01/19/2016 at 15:53 • Filed to: vintage cars, datsun b210, fiat 128, honda civic cvcc, mazda 808, renault 12, subaru dl, toyota corolla, vw beetle, vw rabbit

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Some interesting info for the facts and figures enthusiasts, scanned from the May, 1975 issue of Road & Track.

13" wheels had become the standard by then, and the Beetle’s tall 15" wheels were considered old fashioned. Two of the front wheel drive cars out handled all of the rear wheel drive competition, and the Volkswagen Rabbit was the fastest in the group with a 0 to 60 time of 12.7 seconds. The beetle on the other hand was slowest, taking 18.1 seconds. For comparison though, anything that could break the 10 second barrier on its way to 60 in 1975 was considered ridiculously fast! The new Triumph TR7 only managed it 11.3 seconds, so the Rabbit’s acceleration seemed impressive for the time.

A number of cars still came from the factory with bias ply tires - and - check out those final drive ratios.

dogisbadob > Berang 01/19/2016 at 15:58

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That’s like $13k today, but the modern equivalents are over $20k :o

Back when small cars weere actually small

crowmolly > Berang 01/19/2016 at 16:00

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The final drive ratios with a lack of OD and teeny wheels.

Datsun- 4000 RPM @ 60 mph.

WOOF.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > dogisbadob 01/19/2016 at 16:03

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When you consider what you get with a modern car, it’s difficult to compare them directly. These cars in their most loaded forms wouldn’t even be considered poverty spec today.

Also, inflation has been severely underestimated since the 1980s.

Berang > crowmolly 01/19/2016 at 16:04

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You can see why people welcomed the 55 limit.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Berang 01/19/2016 at 16:07

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I had a 1975 B210, can confirm everything. Also without a tach I had no idea I was probably turnning 5500 rpm when crusing at 75 (when it eventually got there). I guess that’s why the engine failed.

The frumious Bandersnatch! > Berang 01/19/2016 at 17:16

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Remember when Subaru’s had the cyclops headlight in the center grill that only came on with the 4 wheel drive?

Berang > The frumious Bandersnatch! 01/19/2016 at 17:31

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That was the 80s.

shop-teacher > Berang 01/19/2016 at 18:27

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“They don’t make them like they used to!”

Good!!!

Jonee > Berang 01/19/2016 at 19:22

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I forgot the Mazda 808 was even a thing. That was the RX3 with a pushrod, wasn’t it? I can’t imagine they sold more than 10 in the U.S.

Berang > Jonee 01/19/2016 at 20:06

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Same basic body, yes. I wouldn’t think they did any worse than the RX-3, but they’re sure not as common as the contemporary Datsuns and Toyotas.