1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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 (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 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. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Cosmo | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
