1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 30 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 383 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Cosmo | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2210 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2550 mm |
