2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 21 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 2002 Citroen C3. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 18 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3. 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, 2002 Citroen C3, 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | C3 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2620 mm |
