1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 3 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 628 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
