2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 104 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1254 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
