1981 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 886 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 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 (171 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85.1 mm |
| 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 | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2270 mm |
