Japan vs Germany — 1967 vs 1971
| Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) | 3.0 CS E9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 96 lb-ft | 188 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 982 cc | 2,985 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 131 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.1 sec |
| Weight | 2,072 lbs | 3,075 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm | 2,625 mm |
| Length | 4,140 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,519 | 11,063 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,695 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1971 BMW 3.0 CS E9 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) versus 1971 BMW 3.0 CS E9 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 BMW 3.0 CS E9 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 180 hp compared to 110 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda Cosmo Sport uses a Twin-Rotor Wankel 10A displacing 982 cc, while the BMW 3.0 CS relies on a Inline-6 SOHC 12V with 2,985 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 BMW 3.0 CS E9 edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 10.2 seconds. The Mazda Cosmo Sport carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1003 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,519 units built, the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) is considerably scarcer than the BMW 3.0 CS's 11,063 examples.