Drag race: Honda Civic Type R vs tuned Civics – is tuning a waste of money?

The Honda Civic Type R is one of the best-performing hot hatches on the market, but can it hold its own against a selection of tuned Civics?

We’ve lined up a standard Type R against several modified examples to find out whether factory performance beats aftermarket tuning. It’s time to hit the drag strip.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Stock Honda Civic Type R FL5

Let’s start with the standard Honda Civic Type R. Its turbocharged engine produces 330hp and 420Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It tips the scales at 1,430kg and costs £51,905.

Tuned Honda Civic Type R FL5

Next up, we have a tuned FL5. It’s fitted with an upgraded radiator, intercooler, intake and exhaust system, alongside an ECU remap, boosting power to around 420hp and 570Nm of torque.

It weighs the same as the standard car at 1,430kg, but the modifications add around £20,000 to the price, bringing the total to £71,905.

Tuned Honda Civic EP3

This car features an upgraded exhaust system and a few other modifications. It produces around 440hp and 450Nm of torque, while weighing in at 1,204kg.

The modifications have cost around £15,000, bringing the total price of the car to £21,000.

Another tuned Honda Civic EP3

We also drag raced another EP3, but this one is a little different. It’s still running the standard engine, but has been fitted with a turbo kit, intercooler, larger injectors, an upgraded exhaust system and a custom ECU map.

It produces around 450hp and 360Nm of torque, weighs 1,204kg and costs around £23,000 to buy and modify.

Supercharged Honda Civic EK

This isn’t your typical EK Civic. It’s had a full ground-up restoration, including an engine transplant, with a supercharged K24 engine fitted using a kit from motorsport and tuning company TTS.

It produces around 505hp and 404Nm of torque, weighs just 1,070kg, and has had around £45,000 spent on modifications.

Honda NSX

Next up is the NSX. It features a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with three electric motors, giving you a combined output of 581hp and 645Nm of torque.

It weighs up to 1,759kg and comes with a hefty £143,000 price tag.

Honda EJ2 Civic

Last up, we have the EJ2 Civic Coupe. This tuned car features a K24 engine paired with a K20 cylinder head, which has been upgraded alongside a 6466 turbo, 2,100cc injectors and a custom exhaust manifold.

All of this helps it produce around 609hp and 705Nm of torque, while weighing just 1,015kg.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.