2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 248 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
