1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 138 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mazda | Wartburg |
| Model | Cosmo | 312 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
