Episode 11: Honda Civic Type R vs Subaru WRX STI

In this episode, it’s Honda Civic Type R vs Subaru WRX STI. The battle of the Japanese Track/Rally Monsters! Why did Eli go to the Subaru dealership? Why is Honda producing a limited number of cars? Listen to this week’s The Pit Stop Podcast hosts Eli and Jonny to find out…

Honda Type R History

Type R stands for Racing. The Type R designation first appeared on the Japanese market Honda-branded NSX Type R in 1992, then later on the Japan market Honda-branded Integra Type R in 1995. Then in 1997, the Integra Type R came to America, like an Acura. But the first Civic to sport the Type R badge was the 1997 Civic Type R, offered exclusively in Japan. It had 182 HP, then we have the 2001 Civic Type R which was exclusively manufactured in England and was sold in the European Domestic Market and in Japan, it had 200 HP in Europe and the US and 212 HP in Japan. Next is the 2006 Civic Type R, which was now a 4 door car in Japan and a 3 door in Europe, it had 222 HP in Japan and 198 HP in Europe, and the last 2 Type R’s are very similar, it’s the 2012 Civic Type R and 2016 to Present. Both cars are considered 5 door hatchbacks and are the first to be turbocharged in the lineup, and had 306 HP. All the Type R models are Front Wheel Drive.

Subaru WRX STI History

In 1992 Subaru introduced the Subaru Impreza which debuted with 210-250 HP and it was built as a road-type car first. Then in 1994 Subaru introduced the 555 Impreza won the World Rally Championship, and in 2002 the WRX STI hit the US Market with 300 HP.
Quick Specs:
The Honda Civic Type R base MSRP is $37,895 and the Subaru WRX STI base MSRP is $37,245. The 2021 Honda Civic Type R features a 2 Liter VTEC Turbocharged In-Line 4 Cylinder Engine producing 306 HP vs. The 2021 Subaru WRX STI which features a 2.5 Liter Turbocharged Boxer 4 Cylinder Engine producing 310 HP. The Honda Civic Type R weighs 3140 Pounds vs. the Subaru WRX STI weighs 3450 Pounds. The Honda Civic does 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and the Subaru WRX does it in 4.4 seconds.

Fun Facts

The Honda Civic Type R features a Heated Windshield Wiper on the rear windshield and an Alcantara Steering Wheel. The Honda Civic Type R had the fastest lap time for a Front Wheel Drive car from 2017 to 2019 with 7 Minutes 43.8 Seconds which has beaten other cars including the Pagani Zonda C12, Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT2, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari 599 GTB, Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, BMW M3, and BMW M4 just to mention a few.

Poll Results

Ultimately they take it to the polls where the Subaru WRX STI wins with 60% of the votes.