2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 301 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1121 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
