2002 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Civic (157 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 407 kg more than 2002 Honda Civic.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Honda Civic (179 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2002 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1264 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
