1975 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 37 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 165 kg more than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. (188 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mazda Cosmo | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2651 mm |
