2004 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 49 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1121 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
