2009 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 560 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
