2002 Mazda 2 vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2002 Mazda 2 is newer by 24 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 2 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 2002 Mazda 2, 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, 2002 Mazda 2 (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 2002 Mazda 2 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mazda 2 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 2 | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 2 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
