Japan vs Italy — 1967 vs 1968
| Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) | Islero | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 96 lb-ft | 288 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 982 cc | 3,929 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 154 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 2,072 lbs | 3,373 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Length | 4,140 mm | 4,580 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,519 | 225 |
| Original MSRP | — | $12,900 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1968 Lamborghini Islero 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 Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) versus 1968 Lamborghini Islero is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1968 Lamborghini Islero holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 110 hp, a 215-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 Lamborghini Islero relies on a V12 DOHC with 3,929 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Lamborghini Islero edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 10.2 seconds. The Mazda Cosmo Sport carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1301 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 225 units built, the 1968 Lamborghini Islero is considerably scarcer than the Mazda Cosmo Sport's 1,519 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Lamborghini Islero commands a significant premium over the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.