1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1999 Acura RL
To start off, 1999 Acura RL is newer by 18 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura RL weights approximately 577 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, 1999 Acura RL, 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, 1999 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1999 Acura RL 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. 1999 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1999 Acura RL | |
| Make | Mazda | Acura |
| Model | Cosmo | RL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2920 mm |
