2002 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 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 1,344 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 69 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (139 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2002 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1344 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
