2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 758 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | SL | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
