2004 Ford Ka vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 23 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 8 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 7 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 2004 Ford Ka, 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
