2008 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1978 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
