1996 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1981 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
Because 1981 Mazda RX-7 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 1981 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1981 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
