1984 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic.
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, 2012 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
