1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 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 2,260 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (204 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| 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 | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
