1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry 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 32 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 218 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. 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, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Cosmo | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
