1981 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 32 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 377 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda Cosmo | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cosmo | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
