2002 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2002 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, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
