1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2008 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2008 Toyota Prius is newer by 30 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 2008 Toyota Prius, 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, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Prius. 2008 Toyota Prius 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. 2008 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 2008 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Cosmo | Prius |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
