1996 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (144 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 123 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.
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, 2004 Mazda 3 (184 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1223 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
