1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 27 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (131 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1982 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1982 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Ascona | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
