2009 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
