1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 650 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cosmo | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |
