1980 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1997 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1997 Nissan Skyline is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 410 kg more than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1997 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda Cosmo | 1997 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Cosmo | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
