1988 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 103 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1763 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
