1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 244 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1981 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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1974 Volvo 244 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 244 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | Cosmo | 244 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
