1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 443 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cosmo | 156 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
