1981 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 26 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 475 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
