2009 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 210 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Civic (221 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| 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 | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2270 mm |
