1996 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 35 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
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, 1989 Mazda 323 (216 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 323 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
