1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 857 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 533 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Cosmo | SL |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 102 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 700 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |