1986 Peugeot 309 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 5 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 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Peugeot 309. (115 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1986 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 220 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 309. 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, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Peugeot 309. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Peugeot 309. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1986 Peugeot 309 has manual transmission. 1986 Peugeot 309 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Peugeot 309 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Peugeot | Mazda |
| Model | 309 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2620 mm |
