2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 338 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mazda Cosmo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Passat | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2620 mm |
