1977 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 390 kg more than 1977 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Honda Civic, 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 50 L |
