1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 is newer by 31 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C5 (106 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 429 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, 2012 Citroen C5, 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, 2012 Citroen C5 (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2012 Citroen C5 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. 2012 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Citroen |
| Model | Cosmo | C5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1527 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
