1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 17 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 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 142 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
