1990 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Civic weights approximately 1 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1990 Honda Civic (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Honda Civic | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 148 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |