2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (198 HP) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 120 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (220 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (193 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 198 HP |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11:01 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1267 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4276 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1445 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
