1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
