1984 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1984 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 143 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
