1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 127 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1170 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |