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 1,998 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 31 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (197 HP @ 7800 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 243 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
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 | 1998 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 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 | 9.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
