Market Segment:
Compact personal luxury coupe and sedan, known for distinctive styling and rotary engine options (in some markets/variants).
Key Competitors:
Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird (Datsun 510), Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Galant
Vehicle Strengths:
Unique styling, often featuring rotary engine technology (Cosmo AP, Cosmo CD variants), comfortable ride, good build quality for its time.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain and repair the unique Mazda Cosmo of this era, particularly the rotary engine variants and specific mechanicals not found in common inline-engine vehicles.
Engine:
Engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor), ignition system, emission control systems
Transmission:
Manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch system, driveline, axles
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake
Steering:
Steering gear, steering column, power steering system (if equipped)
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (leaf springs or coil springs), shock absorbers, bushings
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrumentation, fuses, wiring diagrams, auxiliary systems
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system (heater, ventilation)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, disassembly and reassembly of major assemblies
Diagnostics:
Component testing, diagnostic charts, electrical schematics interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and repair, including specifications for torques, clearances, and adjustments.
Digital Format If Applicable:
N/A (assumed print)
Print Quality Description:
Likely black and white line drawings, diagrams, and text. Print quality will vary with the specific publisher and original printing.
Binding Type:
Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound (depending on the publisher)
Paper Type:
Standard newsprint or pulp paper, common for workshop manuals of the era.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Piston Engine (for this specific model year range, though rotary engines were prominent in other Cosmo generations)
Displacement And Code:
Likely a 1.6L (1586cc) or 1.8L (1769cc) 'Mazda E-series' inline-four. Specific engine codes may include MA, MB, or similar variants. Rotary engines (e.g., 12A) were available in earlier/later Cosmo models but may not be primary for the 77-78 CD series in all markets.
Horsepower:
Estimated 70-90 HP (for 1.6L/1.8L inline-4 variants)
Torque:
Estimated 80-100 lb-ft (for 1.6L/1.8L inline-4 variants)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely single or twin barrel, e.g., Hitachi or Mikuni)
Ignition Type:
Breaker Point Ignition or Early Electronic Ignition (CDI may be present on some variants)
Body Styles:
2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500-2520 mm (98.4-99.2 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4300-4400 mm (169.3-173.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1620-1660 mm (63.8-65.4 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1350-1390 mm (53.1-54.7 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1000-1150 kg (2200-2535 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110 mm (Common for Mazda of this era)
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 175/70R13, 185/70R13 (check specific trim/option)
Crash Test Data Era:
No standardized crash test data readily available for this model year/era comparable to modern ratings.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. No ABS.
Restraints:
Lap and shoulder belts (front occupants), lap belts (rear occupants). No airbags.
Body Structure:
Designed with a unibody construction common for the era, incorporating crumple zones to some extent.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio, possibly with cassette player on higher trims or as an option. Manual covers speaker installation/removal and radio diagnostics.
Assistance Features:
Very limited by modern standards. Features would typically include power steering (optional), and potentially intermittent wipers. No electronic driver aids like ABS or airbags.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense. Focus on basic electrical systems for lights, signals, and diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), involving spark plugs, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common, consult manual for exact viscosity and capacity (approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts / 3.8-4.3 liters).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.0-7.0 quarts (5.7-6.6 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual), ensure system is flushed and refilled as per schedule.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition components (points, condenser, coil), carburetor wear and tuning issues, suspension bushings, exhaust system corrosion, clutch wear, potential for cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses).
Rotary Specific Issues If Applicable:
For Cosmo models equipped with rotary engines (less common for 77-78 CD in many markets, but possible), apex seal wear, oil seal issues, and carburetor jetting for specific emissions regulations were key concerns. This manual should detail these if the specified engine is rotary.
Mazda Innovation:
Mazda has a history of embracing innovative powertrain technologies, notably the Wankel rotary engine, which was a significant differentiator for many of its models, including early generations of the Cosmo.
Cosmo Lineage:
The Mazda Cosmo lineage dates back to 1967, starting with the revolutionary Cosmo Sport 110S, the first production car with a twin-rotor Wankel engine. The 1977-1978 models represent the second generation (CD series), which moved towards more conventional inline-four engines in many markets while retaining a focus on personal luxury and distinctive styling. This generation shared its platform with the Mazda Luce (Mazda 929 in export markets).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Years:
Cosmo CD Series: 1975-1981
