1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1979 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. Both 1981 Mazda Cosmo and 1979 Mazda RX-2 are equipped with a 2,292 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 190 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-2. 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 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-2. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1979 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |
