1987 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 511 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1987 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1987 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2703 mm |
