2001 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (183 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (241 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (160 Nm). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
