2004 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 192 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 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 (144 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Honda Civic | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 144 Nm | 129 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 78.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.6 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1157 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |