1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 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 68 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 348 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 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 (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
