1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 28 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 239 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2009 Nissan Xterra 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. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Cosmo | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
