1975 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,616 cc (2 cylinders), 1975 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mazda Cosmo (124 HP) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Mazda Cosmo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1975 Mazda Cosmo (188 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mazda Cosmo | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
