2011 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 31 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 148 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. (151 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda Cosmo. 1980 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige 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:
| 2011 Lotus Exige | 1980 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 65 L |
