2005 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 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) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (155 Nm). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 2005 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
