The new Honda Civic Type R FL5 has established itself as a formidable performance vehicle, surpassing its predecessor the FK8 in several key areas. He has been able to set lap records on race tracks, including the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The car’s better handling contributes to this excellent performance, but one question remains: is it now fast enough to beat the AWD hot hatchback in at least a straight-line contest?
To answer that question, Carwow from England rounds up some of the hottest hatchbacks for exhilarating drag racing. Facing the Honda Civic Type R FL5 were the Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years, Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A35, and BMW M135i – all powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine like the Civic Type R, but driven by all four wheels.
41 Photo
The VW Golf R 20 Years is the most powerful version of the Mk8 Golf R, with 328 horsepower (245 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque. It weighs 3,263 pounds (1,480 kilograms), making it a relatively light option compared to other cars.
The Audi S3 is also a sporty hatchback that develops 306 hp (228 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It’s slightly heavier than the Golf R, at 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg).
The BMW M135i is another powerful hatchback that produces 302 hp (225 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It weighs 3,362 lbs (1,525 kg).
The Mercedes-AMG A35 shares specifications with BMW and Audi, with 302 hp (225 kW), 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) and 3,428 lbs (1,555 kg) weight.
Finally, the Honda Civic Type R here produces 324 hp (242 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It was the lightest car of the comparators, weighing 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg).
Obviously, the Civic Type R suffers with its front-wheel drivetrain and manual gearbox. But are the improvements in the new generation model enough to give it a fighting chance against AWD rivals? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
