1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 398 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cosmo | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
