1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 31 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 473 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.
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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 2009 BMW 523 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. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | Cosmo | 523 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
