2000 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo

To start off, 2000 Kia Rio is newer by 19 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2000 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2000 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 173 kg more than 2000 Kia Rio. 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, 2000 Kia Rio, 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Kia Rio. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2000 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2000 Kia Rio 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:

2000 Kia Rio 1981 Mazda Cosmo
Make Kia Mazda
Model Rio Cosmo
Year Released 2000 1981
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1343 cc 1970 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 74 HP 102 HP
Engine RPM 5400 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 121 Nm 167 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3300 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline 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 925 kg 1098 kg
Vehicle Length 4220 mm 4670 mm
Vehicle Width 1680 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2420 mm 2620 mm