1996 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 15 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 382 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.
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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 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:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
