2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
