2004 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 3 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (117 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 46 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2004 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (156 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1111 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
