The Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla are fun cars that don’t break the bank. A new video from Throttle House pits the two against each other in a drag race to see who is the best quarter mile performer. The pair then compete in a rolling race.
Toyota’s powerhouse is its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. The mill makes 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque. The Civic Type R packs a bigger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which makes a bit more power, pumping out 315 hp (235 kW) and 310 lb-ft (442 Nm). The two also weigh the same, with just 2 pounds separating the pair – 3,186 lbs (1,445 kg) for the Corolla and 3,188 lbs (1,446 kg) for the Honda.
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The Toyota’s main advantage is its all-wheel drive system, as the Honda only powers its fronts. Ditching the hatchback gives power to all four wheels a big advantage over the Civic, and it’s evident in the first race. Another advantage of the Toyota is its trim. This is the Morizzo Edition, which delivers more torque than the standard GR, has tighter gearing, and weighs less than the Circuit Edition.
The Toyota rocketed off the line while the Honda struggled for traction. However, the Honda’s extra power – as small as it may have been – was able to catch up to the Toyota, near the end of the race. However, the Corolla’s brilliant start allowed it to finish first.
The rolling race was very different. After Toyota’s advantage faded, Honda kept up with and overtook Toyota, pulling ahead and crossing the finish line first. Toyota took a slight lead over Honda at the start, but it didn’t last.
The Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla aren’t as cheap as their less powerful pedestrian counterparts, but they offer plenty of performance at an accessible price. The Type R has been a performance staple for years, and the addition of the GR Corolla to Toyota’s lineup shows the automaker’s fun side. A GR Corolla Circuit Edition or entry-level core could make for a closer race.
