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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 75 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
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 | 1590 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |