2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1975 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. (115 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 67 kg more than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda Cosmo. 1975 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1975 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | New Beetle | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
