2008 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 150 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
