2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1975 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1975 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mazda Cosmo (115 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 139 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1975 Mazda Cosmo (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1975 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
