1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1988 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1988 Toyota Corolla is newer by 7 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 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 28 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 173 kg more than 1988 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1988 Toyota Corolla, 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Corolla. (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1988 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Cosmo | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
