1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 23 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 2,210 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 180 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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2004 BMW 316 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. 2004 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | Cosmo | 316 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2210 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
