2003 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Civic | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 323 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
