1996 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda 2
To start off, 2003 Mazda 2 is newer by 7 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 2. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 2 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
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, 2003 Mazda 2 (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
