2008 Honda Civic vs. 1990 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1990 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1990 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
