2008 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8

To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda Civic 2005 Mazda RX-8
Make Honda Mazda
Model Civic RX-8
Year Released 2008 2005
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 1307 cc
Engine Type in-line dual-disk rotary
Horse Power 140 HP 228 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 8200 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 211 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 5500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1354 kg 1425 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4450 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 8.1 L/100km 11.4 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 61 L