2006 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 50 kg more than 2006 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
