1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 93 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 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
