2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 248 kg more than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. 1980 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
