1996 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 395 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 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 6 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
