1980 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 65 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda Cosmo | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
