1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 12 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), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 8 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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, 2008 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 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 | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
