2004 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 305 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (152 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Honda Civic | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 82 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |