1957 Porsche 356 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1957 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 295 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356. 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Porsche 356. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1957 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1957 Porsche 356 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:
| 1957 Porsche 356 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 356 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2620 mm |
