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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 61 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2012 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | RX-8 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1186 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
