1984 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 265 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 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
