1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 190 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| 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 | 1002 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
