1990 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1971 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Civic weights approximately 66 kg more than 1971 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mazda RX-2 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 1971 Mazda RX-2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1971 Mazda RX-2 (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1971 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1971 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
