1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 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 (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 289 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
