1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cosmo | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
