1983 BMW 323 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1983 BMW 323 is newer by 2 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 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 23 kg more than 1983 BMW 323.
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, 1983 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
