1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2004 Noble M12
To start off, 2004 Noble M12 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 48 kg more than 2004 Noble M12.
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 Noble M12 (486 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2004 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Mazda | Noble |
| Model | Cosmo | M12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 486 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
