1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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, 1998 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 347 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
