1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 21 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 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:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 146 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
