1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 292 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 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, 2003 Renault Megane, 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, 2003 Renault Megane (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | Cosmo | Megane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
