1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A

To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 687 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A 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 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Mazda Cosmo 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
Make Mazda Mercedes-Benz
Model Cosmo A
Year Released 1981 2006
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1970 cc 1698 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 102 HP 114 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 167 Nm 155 Nm
Torque RPM 3300 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 83 mm
Engine Stroke Size 98 mm 78.5 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1098 kg 1785 kg
Vehicle Length 4670 mm 3840 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1600 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2570 mm