1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 285 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 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Mazda | Mazda |
Model | Cosmo | 3 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 102 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2639 mm |