2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 990 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic. 1979 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Honda Civic | |
Make | Mazda | Honda |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Civic |
Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1837 cc | 1335 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 67 HP |
Torque | 168 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 795 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2330 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |