1980 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 422 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 93 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1207 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |