2002 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (157 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Civic weights approximately 84 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (179 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1264 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
