2004 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,339 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
