2009 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 104 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 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 (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
