Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Civic Type R has a slight advantage, but GR86 remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Civic Type R
+6 pts
Efficiency
Civic Type R
+3 pts
Safety
GR86
+2 pts
Practicality
Civic Type R
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
GR86
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
GR86
Pros
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
Who Should Buy Which?
Civic Type R
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
GR86
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Ground Clearance
130
130
Wheelbase
2735
2575
Length
4595
4265
Width
1890
1775
Height
1405
1310
Kerb Weight
1430
1270
Gross Vehicle Weight
1850
1660
Seating Capacity
4
4
Boot Space
410
237
Towing Capacity
0
Not Rated
Turning Radius
5.7
5.4
Front Track Width
-
1520
Rear Track Width
-
1540
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Engine
2.0L Turbo Petrol
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Boxer
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged VTEC
Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement
1996
2387
Cylinders
4
4
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
12.5:1
Power
315
173
Torque
420
250
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct + Port Injection
Turbocharger
High-Performance Single Turbo
Not Available
Top Speed
272
226
0-100 km/h
5.4
6.9
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Power @ RPM
-
7000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
3700 rpm
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Drive Type
4x2
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Mechanical LSD
Torsen LSD
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Claimed Mileage
12
10.9
City Mileage
8
8
Highway Mileage
11
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
50
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
CO2 Emissions
190
177
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
70
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard with Sport Mode
Electronic Stability Control
Performance Tuned
Standard with Track Mode
Traction Control
Performance Tuned
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Performance
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Seat Material
Alcantara and Fabric
Sport Fabric/Suede
Seat Adjustment
Manual Sport
Manual
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Red Performance Lighting
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
50/50 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Manual AC
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12 Bose Performance
6
Navigation System
Built-in
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
7-inch Digital
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Lightweight Alloy
18-inch BBS Alloy
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Rear Spoiler
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Tyre Size
265/30 R19
215/40 R18
Wheel Type
Lightweight Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc Brembo
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Space Saver
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Front Suspension
Adaptive Dual Axis Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Double Wishbone
Chassis Type
Reinforced Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
High
Approx R5,500
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Civic Type R
GR86
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Final Verdict
🏆Honda Civic Type R
wins with 69 pts
vs 60 pts for GR86
In structured scoring, Civic Type R emerges as the stronger overall package. However, GR86 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.