2005 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 149 kg more than 2005 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (187 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1671 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.4 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
