2004 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda RX-7 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 RX-7. 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (294 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (144 Nm). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
