1976 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 220 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1976 Mazda Cosmo (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1976 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1976 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda Cosmo | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
