1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 21 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (78 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 92 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (147 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Cosmo | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
