2009 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1980 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. 1980 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1980 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
