1991 BMW M12 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 10 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M12 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2620 mm |
