1992 Ford Tempo vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1992 Ford Tempo 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Tempo (129 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Tempo weights approximately 97 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, 1992 Ford Tempo, 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, 1992 Ford Tempo (204 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Tempo | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2620 mm |
