VW Golf R vs. Honda Civic Type R: Ein Kopf-an-Kopf-Rennen der Kompaktsportler

Volkswagen Golf R vs. Honda Civic Type R: The Showdown

Similar yet distinct: A comparison of two compact sports cars

The recently updated Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R embody two distinct philosophies in the realm of understated compact sports cars that pack a surprising punch.

In fact, both the Golf and the Civic, which are among the best-selling models in the five-door hatchback category, offer a version that is so powerful and fast that it can easily be driven on a racetrack.

Photo Gallery: The 2024 VW Golf R

Photo Gallery: Testing the 2024 Honda Civic Type R

We're discussing the Golf R and Civic Type R, two vehicles dividing enthusiasts' loyalties with the former being a sturdy German all-wheel drive and the latter a fierce Japanese front-wheel drive. Let's delve into how their dimensions vary and what traits make them both similar yet distinct.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Golf R stands out as the more compact competitor at a length of 4.29 meters, adhering to the classic five-door configuration. It boasts distinct sporty exterior features that distinguish it from the standard Golf models. The Black Edition variant makes a statement with its 19-inch wheels, black brake calipers, and the distinctive VW and R badges, coupled with exhaust tips that command attention. Additionally, its modern Matrix LED headlights and the front air intakes are eye-catching elements that add to its unique appeal.

Three-quarter front view of the Volkswagen Golf R

Three-quarter front view of the Honda Civic Type R

In comparison, the Honda Civic Type R takes on the shape of an elongated hatchback sedan, stretching out to 4.59 meters in length, which is 30 cm more than the Golf, partly due to its wheelbase being 11 cm longer. Its width stands at 1.89 meters, surpassing that of its German counterpart, yet it sits lower in height. The Honda's appearance is also accentuated by its 19-inch matte black wheels, its lowered stance, the plethora of air intakes, and notably, the prominent rear wing.

Interior

Both five-door sports cars feature a more traditional interior design, with the Golf R opting for larger screens and an increased number of touch controls.

The Volkswagen stands out primarily due to its Digital Cockpit Pro featured on a 10.2-inch display, which includes a lap timer GPS for tracking lap times on the racetrack and an accelerometer. The central infotainment screen, measuring 12.9 inches diagonally, offers wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a newly designed menu navigation.

Interior Design of the Volkswagen Golf R

The trunk of the sportier Golf model has a minimum capacity of 374 liters, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,230 liters when the back seats are folded down.

The Honda Civic features a digital dashboard display that measures 10.2 inches diagonally, similar to the Golf, but the central screen is slightly smaller at 9 inches. Despite this, it includes wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Interior of the Honda Civic Type R

The cargo space in the Honda is more spacious than that of the Volkswagen, offering at least 410 liters which can be expanded to 1,212 liters.

Engines

The previously mentioned distinction in design between the two sporty compact cars is not evident in the engine, which for both is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. However, the difference is noticeable in the drive system, with the Golf R featuring all-wheel drive and the Civic Type R having front-wheel drive.

The Golf R boasts a slight edge in power, with its 2.0 TSI engine producing 333 horsepower across a wider rev range of 5,600 to 6,500 RPM compared to the Civic, which delivers four horsepower less to the crankshaft. The Golf's peak torque reaches 420 Nm, which is also distributed to all wheels through its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, DSG.

The top speed of 270 km/h is almost as fast as that of the Japanese model, and it boasts a superior acceleration time, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

A Closer Look at the Volkswagen Golf R's 2.0 TSI Engine

An In-depth Look at the Honda Civic Type R's 2.0 VTEC Engine

The latest iteration of the Honda Civic Type R boasts an advanced version of the 2.0 VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 329 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. This is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission featuring an enhanced rev-matching system. True to tradition, power is delivered to the front wheels. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 275 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 5.4 seconds.

Costs

The cost details for the latest Volkswagen Golf R model are yet to be released. However, it is anticipated to be more affordable in Germany compared to its predecessor, which had a starting price just under 55,000 Euros for the standard version. The high-performance variant with 333 horsepower was priced above 64,000 Euros.

Rear three-quarter view of a Volkswagen Golf R.

Rear three-quarter view of the Honda Civic Type R

On the other hand, the starting price for the Honda Civic Type R is set at €58,900. This could turn out to be a close competition.

Increased Compact Sports Cars:

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R versus Honda Civic Type R

Most Read

Most Recent Articles

LATEST ARTICLES

Regarding this article