1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 20 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 68 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
