2008 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 323 weights approximately 93 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.
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, 1997 Mazda 323 (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 323 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
