1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1972 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,210 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 285 kg more than 1972 Opel Ascona. 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 Mazda Cosmo (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1972 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | Cosmo | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2210 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
