1954 BMW 502 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1954 BMW 502 has manual transmission. 1954 BMW 502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 502 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
