1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
