2011 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 41 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2008 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2011 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Honda Civic | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4503 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1753 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1435 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
