1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1999 BMW Z3
To start off, 1999 BMW Z3 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z3 weights approximately 532 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, 1999 BMW Z3 (180 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm). This means 1999 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 1999 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | Cosmo | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
