1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mazda MPV
To start off, 1998 Mazda MPV is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MPV (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MPV should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MPV weights approximately 550 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda MPV 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 MPV. 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, 1998 Mazda MPV (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MPV |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2850 mm |
