1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
