1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cosmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
