1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1997 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 306 is newer by 16 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 306 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 60 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.
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, 1997 Peugeot 306, 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, 1997 Peugeot 306 (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 306 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1997 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | Cosmo | 306 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
