1988 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1988 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 323 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
