1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 8 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (180 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 93 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (218 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass has manual transmission. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mazda |
| Model | Cutlass | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1243 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
