1968 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1968 Mazda Cosmo. (94 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 155 kg more than 1968 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mazda Cosmo. (133 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mazda Cosmo | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 50 L |
