1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 615 kg more than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. 1980 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1980 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caravan | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
