1983 Mazda Cosmo vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 452 kg more than 1983 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mazda Cosmo | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | Cosmo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
