2008 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 72 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Because 1976 Mazda RX-4 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 1976 Mazda RX-4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
