1996 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 172 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
