2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (201 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 24 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Honda Civic (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1305 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
