1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1996 Honda Prelude 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 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (190 HP) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude weights approximately 180 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, 1996 Honda Prelude, 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 Honda Prelude (214 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm). This means 1996 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
