1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 720 kg more than 1976 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1976 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | SL | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
