1999 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1999 Honda Civic. (167 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 141 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (166 Nm @ 6300 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic. 2010 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Civic | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
