2009 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,339 cc (2 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 176 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | RX-8 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
