2009 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo

To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 28 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 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 375 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.

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, 2009 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda Cosmo has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW 320 1981 Mazda Cosmo
Make BMW Mazda
Model 320 Cosmo
Year Released 2009 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 2292 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 2 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 175 HP 120 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 350 Nm 162 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1525 kg 1150 kg
Vehicle Length 4540 mm 4670 mm
Vehicle Width 2000 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2620 mm