2007 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster 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, 2007 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, 2007 Honda Civic (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
