2005 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 1,671 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (117 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 29 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Honda Civic (149 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2005 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2005 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1671 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
