1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 201 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 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
