1996 Ford Ka vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 190 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 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, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Ka 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 Ford Ka | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
