2001 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2001 Honda Civic. (183 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (160 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1065 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
