1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 11 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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 610 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1992 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1992 Caterham Super 7 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:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | Super 7 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
