2006 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 25 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, 2006 Hyundai Elantra (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 102 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Elantra. (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Elantra | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
