1984 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 355 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.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
