1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 2,210 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 118 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2210 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |
