1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (318 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2620 mm |
