1996 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 184 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ka, 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, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 65 L |
