1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 22 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 68 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 83.6 mm |
| 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 | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
