2006 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2006 Honda Civic. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Civic.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 2616 cc |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 61 L |
