1976 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 50 kg more than 1976 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda Cosmo | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
