2020 Honda Civic Type R vs 2002 EP3 Civic Type R // VTEC Wars

This is the new 2020 Honda Civic Type R, and it meets its Japanese elder, the 2002 EP3 Honda Civic Type R which costs far less and still offers hot hatchback thrills. Both are four cylinders, and both fulfill the role of an icon. But can the old one stack up, and is the new one worth the massive premium? James and Thomas jump behind the wheel of both to experience them and discuss them inside and out. Safely filmed with social distancing measures in place. Watch and enjoy!
Check out Chris and his EP3 Type R here!
/ @chrislowpes
And a huge thanks to Mackenzie for letting us feature his boost blue 2020!
Covid-19 DISCLAIMER: Throttle House is observing strict social distancing and sanitation policies. We are operating with a crew of no more than 3 people, and are remaining in isolation in between shoots. All employees and presenters are required to sanitize vehicles and person on a regular basis for the safety of the crew and car owners. Throttle House does not endorse gathering in large groups and supports the efforts of medical personal, and policy makers in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus.
Instagram! / thethrottlehouse
Facebook! / thomashollandproductions
Post Production by: Karston Chong and Thomas Holland
Music from Epidemicsound.com
#Honda #Civic #TypeR

[@kbrizy7490]

"My hand only has to travel 3 inches. That's a number that Thomas is used to." 😂😂😂 Bravo, boys, bravo.

[@JamieR2077]

ROASTED.

[@amuqsit5809]

Epic

[@bradleyhitchcock6152]

Mic drop 🤣🤣

[@renaldobryan1047]

Lol

[@fatehabro6682]

time stamp?

[@ChrisLowpes]

Thanks a lot for having my car part of this epic video! It was a blast watching you guys review it!

[@phunkdoctaspock]

It's ya boooooooooy! lol

[@ChrisLowpes]

phunkdoctaspock lol!

[@jovtecxtv1321]

That's what's up! Now I know why you haven't been able to drive it 😁

[@ChrisLowpes]

JOVTECXTV just got it on road! Lot of videos to come!!

[@ChrisLowpes]

Chuck Towers thanks man!

[@HondaProJason]

I love watching you guys review these 2 amazing Honda Type Rs. Awesome review and in 4k? Epic!

[@codywheten6242]

how does one watch this video about Honda's coolest Civics and not know who you are; just passing you a like

[@ReqV3]

A

[@couchmayne4351]

Oh hey your that Honda guy that’s a tool

[@phunkdoctaspock]

@@couchmayne4351 Oh hey, YOU'RE that guy that doesn't know how to spell YOU'RE. You are = you're

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@couchmayne4351 That's funny but Honda Pro Jason is a good guy with a passion for Honda, bit like a tool liking a BMW!!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

4:26 I really wanted to hear James shout "MOAR POWA BABEYY!!!" when he was explaining VTEC with the EP3 Type R

[@RafaelEsparragoza]

or just hear him scream BAAAAAAAAAAHH!

[@alexisamitrano1]

HHahha! I felt the same way! Hahah

[@Zeratheus013]

i was laughing when i read the comment and accidentally pressed the thumbs down button because i was thinking the same thing.. but i remedied it immediately.

[@syedrehanfida]

Wrong channel mate. Go to donut media for that :D

[@416rides5]

Honda Accord Euro R >> m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pofQZ42gl9BrrKM

[@makatron]

Finally someone let James out of that old church attic for some fresh air.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Do you know what that reference is?

[@johnjayalves6843]

Daytona Says What?! Take a look at some of this channel’s quarantine videos from their homes. James typically filmed from a room with charming stained glass windows

[@marcm7692]

He’s the living Quasimodo, duh.

[@makatron]

@@marcm7692 do they hide the hunch with CGI?

[@skyty0]

Thomas: (takes his hands off of the wheel while driving the EP3) Me, an EP3 owner: (sweats in bumpsteer)

[@pity_6095]

Lol

[@king-manu2758]

Hahaha

[@KennyZoobs]

You need to watch MOTO IQs EP3 suspension video. BYE BYE BUMPSTEER!

[@skyty0]

@@KennyZoobs I love Moto IQ! I've done a few of the mods that they've recommended actually! I really wanna get that new steering rack slider but I'm not a mechanic and all the shops I've been to have quoted me more than the car is worth to do the install. Mines a US spec Si with like 250k miles lol. One day though!

[@porschenut9]

Kenneth Zubiri unfortunately it’s not as simple as bye bye. Maybe not as big of an issue in a Civic Si with minimal HP. It is with a Type R. Doesn’t hamper my enjoyment of the car personally though!

[@ScooterBlia2]

The EP3 is by far one of my favorite generations of Civics. It was completely unique from its coupe and sedan counterparts.

[@CB4basser1]

I believe this comment because you're holding a Bass. Nice!

[@The_Holier_Spirit]

Personally love the FN2

[@Moatiz]

I agree and honestly I liked the 7th gen civics as a whole. Don’t know why a lot people didn’t like them tho. Especially the coupe, people had a specific distaste to those

[@BDA0531]

@@Moatiz I think its because of the change in suspension and the lack of aftermarket compared to 6th gens. Also, D17s dont respond that well to mods.. I have an 03 EM2 and love it but like you said no one really messes with the coupes

[@Moatiz]

@@BDA0531 yeah I get you. I used to have an 03 em2 coupe Aswell. It was about as clean and stock as ever after I restored it to its former glory, the d17 in it out of nowhere had an oil leak and it suddenly became beyond the point of repair

[@goldenlantern7938]

6:10 “That’s a number Thomas is used to.” I... am... dead

[@jax1079]

That 2020 blue is simply stunning. The Type R is still one of my favorite cars I've tested. Just an absolute monster.

[@Ripstikerpro]

The intros.. They're pure art!

[@austinbratcher2611]

Ep3 for the win. I own one and love it cant get enough of it and it's a blast to drive. 03 to be specific with 192000 miles on it. Even in a new type r love them but it's just that pure raw power from the ep3 that gets me back into it.

[@thestoicwhinger]

Man i still want one

[@krusade2158]

Are there U.S. models and if so, are they somewhat attainable?

[@jasonstrickland9245]

I've heard/watched reviews about this era of Civic Si/Type R, is it really as bad as they say or is it mostly love for the older Si and Type R models? I've thought about getting a 2002-2003 Si but haven't committed......

[@austinbratcher2611]

The new ones have a hard time with wheel hop but other than that they make good power now. The 2002 2003 civic si’s are pretty attainable to a degree. You can get them from around 2000 to 6000 dollars depending if it’s modified Or what not.

[@SmittyHD-zq7gk]

@@jasonstrickland9245 its a fun car just underpowered but fun as a daily driver/ in the corners the shifter placement is what really makes the cars

[@mccoydecastro1387]

This just made my day so much better... keep it up Thomas and James!

[@miniblitz16]

Hey! Someone released James from the church!

[@MrQsaud]

Are we sure that's even James?

[@Kratos-_-GOD]

@@MrQsaud gd one 🤣

[@jamesengelsman9369]

@@MrQsaud HELP

[@makatron]

That's the body double with deepfake face on it, don't be fooled!

[@JW-gj6kw]

The most fun "slow" car to drive was my 1991 CRX HF that was lighter and revved higher than the SI. Yes it was slower but taking it down a mountain road was unforgettable.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Have you driven many sub 100hp cars?

[@chuck8058]

Brilliant video chaps. Brings back memories. We ( wife and I ) have owned two EP3s. Loved them both and always will. Great chassis, loved the gearbox (and stick position) however, moving on was the right thing. Over time, I got fed up of having to ring the crap out of the engine to get the most out of it. Must try this new one some day. It does look a very special car.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Great to see you guys together and driving again. Welcome back! And what a treat to have an old Type R on the show! I owned a 2005 Civic Si in that hatchback style for a couple years. I absolutely loved that car. It was the first car I owned that was genuinely fun to drive, and is still my 2nd favorite I’ve owned, just behind my ND Miata. I traded that Si for a new CRV in 2007 due to a growing family, and almost immediately regretted it. 13 years later I still search for that Si model online sometimes.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

EP3 Si sucks compared to the FG2/FA5 that came after it

[@KirkKreifels]

Man those old type R looked so clean!

[@bones6978]

The EP3 looks great, well the ep3 everywhere outside of america.

[@dkis8730]

I'm not a huge fan of the EP hatch styling wise. I loveee the EK hatch though

[@mattmattmatt131313]

It's what a hothatch should be in my opinion. Just your mom's basic grocery getter hatchback with a big engine squeezed in it and a sporty suspension upgrade. That's it. You want to create a bonkers super-hothatch category after that, with crazy wings, fake vents & exhausts, crazy big horsepower,... and a price tag to match that, be my guest! But I really do miss "regular" hothatchbacks.

[@farewell_to_normalcy9352]

I’ve SOOO been waiting for this comparison! I had a ep3 Si that was swapped and boosted and made a lovely 444 whp. And that thing handled like it was on rails! Best damn car I’ve ever owned. Hate that I sold it. I also had the front and rear CTR bumpers and wing 🙂

[@TurboChild]

Cool you guys got out after a while. Judging by the almost over-enthused vibe from the video, it was severely needed 😂😂😂 either that, or the cars were actually THAT GOOD, or a combination of the two... regardless... more of this! Loved it! Makes me want to drive an EP3 as I’ve driven the new one and was blown away just as much as you two! Cheers boys!

[@GoFast865]

Awesome comparison. Love stuff like this.

[@bradleyhitchcock6152]

It saddens me they only have 600k subs. These guys need to go viral! Their content is utter perfection!

[@moloono1]

Bradley Hitchcock I don’t know why they have lower subs than some channels like Redline Reviews. RR is so biased, it’s discouraging. SavageGeese is another good review channel. Cheers!

[@nbaumg]

600k is a lot

[@kaino2470]

Yeah just a lousy 600k 🙄

[@airenesivad2975]

They are growing fast blink a few times and it will be over a million then blink again and they will hit 2 million

[@RelaxingAmbienceASMR]

@@airenesivad2975 over million now

[@lawrencewinter]

I love how Honda seeks to improve the things that are already class leading. They run different criteria to the rest. I've stumbled across this channel. Wondering how I have not found it till now. Fantastic clip that really does justice to the legendary ep3. Thanks for making this - I'll be showing this to my students, who laugh at the idea of a 90s manual frontie.

[@boisey2476]

You guys are phenomenal, sarcastic/enthusiastic and just all around great. Top Gear Canada should be yours.

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Ahhhhh why did you have to post this when I have to work. I hate how much I love you guys!

[@czellian]

You guys are the best duo in car reviews on YT imo. Another great video.

[@ChrisWalksFast]

As someone who got into car reviews by watching The Straight Pipes and Doug Demuro, after watching all the channels out there, it’s amazing how vastly superior Throttle House and Savage Geese are. Hard to finish episodes of other car reviewers after watching the way you guys combine humor, amazing camera work, and more technical knowledge.

[@VinceFung]

"Or maybe they have eyes that work" lolol savage

[@jdmkidk24]

So that’s where the boost blue went lol first review channel that got one

[@nickbain7848]

Nah, they borrowed it from a friend of mines son.

[@mackenzierhodes8971]

@@nickbain7848 that would be me

[@jj_k24]

I'd like to see the new Civic type R compared to a JDM Integra type R

[@justinmadden7739]

Your videos evoke so much emotion. I had tears of emotion from the A80 Supra vs the A90 and tears of laughter from James’s comment about Thomas being used to having 3 inches. Glad you are here to give us some much needed laughter. Wish I had 220 hp in my Accord Euro manual.

[@Zaberdutton]

That opening tho... love how people can bring back easter eggs from my past. Loved that one guys!

[@radtech1976]

Well done guys. Glad to see you back to something closer to normal. Stay safe.

[@neilmurphy845]

That is one of the coolest hot hatches ever made I love the VTech sound and the way it revs to 9,000

[@faizanhaqqee2665]

You guys really do excellent reviews. To the point but light, informative and pleasant to watch!

[@wanglee21]

Love the great sense of humor these two guys have. lol Super entertaining and not offensive.

[@dumkaz0r]

I have the pre-facelift EP3 and I love it. Such a driver-focused car. Love to bring it on the track, loads of suspension mods done to it, but keeping it N/A just because of that VTEC. Of course, the FK8 is a much better car, but I would rather take the EP3, and get a standard 2019 Civic as a Daily. Just my opinion.

[@IvermectinFTW]

Great video lads. I ran a JDM FD2 Type R for 4 years and absolutely loved it. You absolutely MUST try and get a drive in one if you can - all the NA power (and more) of the EP3 but with much higher levels of steering precision.

[@cmcdeevtec]

The fd2 is the daddy of the na typeR world along with the mugenRR 😎 I’m a proud owner myself 👌🏻

[@ShaiyanHossain]

the EP3 is known for having shit suspension geometry in the front and finicky EPAS

[@kpSTI05]

Best auto reviews on the inter webs. Glad you’re back.

[@steventomlin1056]

James: "I'm a happy bunny." So much fun.

[@ARDEN440i]

If I had the money I'd snatch a new Type R in a heartbeat. Absolutely love it!

[@Brandon-ww9rk]

Other than the fact it's one of the ugliest hondas ever made...i agree with you.

[@bradgreen9225]

Ugly? In think its a great looking car plus fun to drive

[@entertained...]

@@Brandon-ww9rk fact: +30k owners disagree...

[@Daaaaaaaa192]

@@Brandon-ww9rk All those thumbs up I get when driving it disagree with you too lol

[@Brandon-ww9rk]

@@entertained... 30k is a very small number when you take population of 327 million in the US alone.

[@Shittshow566]

Nothing will ever be as cool as an EP3-R.

[@mahinrishad4303]

What's wrong with people, this channel should at the very least have 1.5 mil subscribers by now. Their content is pure fun and quite professional at the same time. The puns and the dad jokes never gets old.

[@mariolooney70]

Owned my 03 ep3 since new and still love driving it ..still one if the most fun hatchbacks ever !

[@Promit_Hazra]

"VTEC kicked in yo" The phrase

[@cruisecontrol4140]

First off I love your show, you guys are amazing. Second I suggest having a recap at the end of the video between you both on the vehicles you both drove and decide which ones you would buy with your own money. Third I'm a Honda Fanboy and I'm drooling over the 2020 civic type r in that blue.

[@nickw103]

I have the Boost Blue for about a month and I am really loving it. It's a car that makes me want to go for a drive for no reason at all. The looks can be polarizing to some people, but during a month of ownership, all I got were positive compliments, surprisingly many from older folks. They just love the color! Other than them, it's usually kids, or other car enthusiasts. As for second gear grind, it still exists in 2020, but it rarely occurs and only when my shifting isn't perfect. The fake noise actually sounds great (even a friend who owns a Veloster N agrees). It helps with the gear shift, and allow you to push the car harder without waking up your neighbors. My only complaint about fake sound is it's not configurable and tied to drive modes. Sometimes on rough roads, I want to be in comfort mode and hear the sound at the same time which is not possible.

[@tmoneytron2003]

Great video guys! You are the main reason I bought a 2018 type r last year. Love it

[@rehenes3844]

Man! This was awesome. I’d love to see an old escort cosworth RS with the crazy 2 wings, and a 2018 focus rs

[@spookazz]

keep up the good intros... actually, keep everything up. this channel is great lol 🇨🇦

[@charlesconnor1737]

Makes me miss my old 04 si cause of course we didn’t get the type r ... the thing I miss the most is the shifter on the dash ... good to see you guys back great video

[@MetalOxy]

Love seeing you both drive these cars. Great video, boys.

[@anguselliott9845]

We need a review of that delorean in order to survive the pandemic

[@JoseNotHose]

Delorean vs Cyber Truck

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Naw. Just ask James and Thomas how they did it.*

[@johnjuiceshipper4963]

Jose Fontano A Citroën V6+transmission vs a Tesla made drivetrain: which one will break first?!

[@zacharyfaurote8498]

It'd be a 30 second video bc I'm pretty sure that's the longest you can get one to run

[@hunyango2k]

"manual hand break should compliment a manual shifter..." exactly my point!!!

[@ceooflovingthehomies9294]

Manual hand brakes should be on all cars. If your main brakes fail they are easier to use then buttons. My 2012 Honda Accord had one and my 2020 Mustang GT with a 10 speed has one and even tho both are autos I like the insurance of the manual hand break.

[@Gunma_garage]

You guys have quickly become my happiest automotive geekery place on YT. Humor..amazing shots..great editing. Engine pops and bangs..But that humor is so refreshing. Not quite sure what to call it but you aren't afraid to be silly yet composed.bravo. ...oh and could you please compare a Focus St to anything else lol idc..I just think the chassis can compete well as a fwd'er

[@goodcopbadcop7438]

EP3 Civic: "Oh boy he's right! I am on crack"

[@dealspeed6756]

I still have my 03 Civic ep3. I absolutely love that car. Even in this video, both presenters smile more in the ep3 type R. It's just such a visceral experience when you wring its neck. Sure, the new Type R is much faster and handles better, but it's less connected to the driver.

[@robertdemko8907]

Very good intro :D

[@howardb.6898]

Good to see you guys back on the road! :)

[@ConnorHammond]

I'm so glad you're back. I didn't realise how linear you were to crack until the apocalypse. Thomas, what camera and lenses do you use for your detailed shots of the cars?

[@RJ6AV6]

Always have and always will have a spot in my heart for the EP3 😘

[@Jac735]

That's wassup they always gwt alot of hate though

[@gabrielbarna3473]

You guys are the best on reviews

[@hosehead_]

The opening gag was great, love the video!

[@alpenjodel24]

That intro ... so simple, yet gold

[@BoostAndRedline]

Wow that intro was on a whole different level fam!

[@KennyZoobs]

Love my EP3!

[@coltondery3526]

I love the Delorean intro thought it would be predictable but that was beautiful

[@MandusahRamirez]

I’m so glad y’all are back!💪🏽

[@kitoblndz]

Finally ep3 are getting recognition 😭 I own one lmao

[@Kenneth1350]

I well always have a spot in my heart for high revving naturally aspirated honda engines thats why I'm never letting go of my 8th gen Si.

[@bennyang8049]

Thanks Thomas for answering the 2nd gear grind question i had from the previous episode.

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

Thumb up just for the intro, boys :) Awesome video 👌

[@nickyang1143]

Sweet, intro skits are back!

[@philiphawkins4684]

EP3 has an electric steering rack also. The one thing that really let the car down.

[@TryNotToHate1]

There is only one single thing about your videos that would make them better and that is a comparison hot lap on some of these matchups.( I think on some episodes you have maybe?? Anyways awesom stuff. Keep up the top work. Thanks

[@Dia1Up]

As someone who owns a ge8 Fit (shares a ton in common in terms of design with the ep3). It's loud, rough, manual and light, I'd choose the EP3 all day. There's something about being rough and loud and talking that just makes things so so so much more involving. However I absolutely understand how good the new Type-R is

[@jerseyforlife]

lol "occasionally grinds second gear", just like my 02 RSX-S, even at 20k miles it was a little notchy.. some things never change

[@shaunchristensen4386]

Always amazing videos!! I own a 2019 Sonic Gray Pearl TypeR!! They are amazing cars!! I owned 4 different Honda Civic Si’s over the span of a decade!! I had an 09’ , 12’, 14’, and 17’ civic Si’s! I have enjoyed each one in their own unique ways!! After all of the Honda’s I have owned new ,my TypeR is my favorite and it’s on another level! Keep up the great content you guys!! I look forward to seeing your next video!🚙👍🏽🚙

[@NaijaBull]

Shaun Christensen What was your favorite Si? And why?

[@brickhead48]

Absolutely adore my EP3, mapped to 245bhp, few bolt on mods, its an absolute joy to drive, not the fastest car by a long way, but god damn its fun

[@SilverScarletSpider]

I love hatchbacks. Honda Civic Type R, Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS, Honda Civic Si, Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback.

[@geoXedge]

I love my ep3 us spec with acura type s engine and trans. It's much like a UK type r just with a crap sunroof. It's a super versatile fun handling, quick daily.

[@bones6978]

The US got so fucked on their ep3, dogshit k20a3, 5 speed, sunroof and no type R body kit.

[@basithph8958]

Old or new the Civic Type R is the best hot hatch🔥

[@iroquoispliskin6077]

👑Golf Is best. Civics not bad though. 🥈

[@fragu123]

Iroquois Pliskin ...which Golf do you think of being best?🤔

[@rocketmcdickfacemcgee6350]

jogu123 R32!!!!!!!!!!

[@slooriginal1727]

A45s golf civic all good hot hatches

[@Highlander1518]

Iroquois Pliskin The Golf will be long gone when the civic is still purring away with 100k+ on the clock.

[@busywl69]

car video of the millennium! I miss that shifter on the 05' si I had.

[@craiggreen4388]

The whole steering rack assembly of the EP3 is it's biggest flaw. I just didn't fall in love with mine. The engine is another matter.

[@imfromcolorado]

“Hello there that’s vtec” yeah that’s it😂

[@JZF629]

I had a 2007 civic si sedan and it had a naturally aspirated 4cyl with vtec, and it was badass from 6-8k rpm... I could only imagine what it would’ve been like with another 100hp (it had 200ish stock)

[@increase9896]

first time finding this channel.. its like a cut and paste of old time Top Gear.... and I like it

[@andrewhillman9632]

Now I know how to upgrade my Ford Fusion....frantic camera work :). Great review guys loved it!

[@BMWROYAL]

Plesss never stop with these intros, their amazing, and did you really get the back to the future car just for this?

[@ThrottleHouse]

Maybe. Maybe not. Stay tuned.

[@helluhpinoy]

James: "It allows in more air, which allows in more fuel, which means more combustion, but more importantly, more power..." Me: "...Babeh."

[@myriad28]

uh, mo' POWAH BABY!

[@montavio]

These intros are getting better and better one of the best on youtube by far

[@louisgarofalo3355]

After listening to James around 10:45 to 11:15 it really reminded me of how much i miss driving my Integra G-SR. I have a few mods like the giant WPI "Honda guy will get the abbreviation" , headers and Js racing exhaust make the induction noise such a wonderful and involved experience. I now have a G37S Coupe 6MT which is worlds faster in a straight line and has the natural fun factor of rwd, However, i still find myself mid turn saying "dam i could do this in the Integra at 12 mph faster with much more confidence". To wrap it up, Ive owned V8s with massive torque, 4cy go carts and driven v12 supercars, Dont knock the japanese lower powered options till youve experienced them, they are truly magic around the bends. Happy driving guys!

[@honda116969]

EP3 ALL day imo... I daily the 2019 SI & I also have a 95 Integra GSR, (186whp) original just a few aftermarket parts still the original transmission & Block but damn would I love to have that Type R!

[@honda116969]

@Alex ander I'm sorry bro that you had to get rid of her, yeah these things pull like a mofo & they're hella reliable I love the b-series

[@yeetus59]

"the japanese dont do that anymore" "yeah they just have germany build it" im dead

[@chadandersen2774]

Love my 2004 Ep3 Si, even with the anemic K20a3. Would love to do a K20c1 swap, factory 306 BHP sounds lovely.

[@davidecalitescu3727]

I salute thee from my EP2 first car :D hopefully getting my hands on an ep3 next 👍

[@modehfy1352]

Want a rhd ep3 so bad, especially since it comes with the good k20 (usa comes with k20 a3 instead of a2 -_-)

[@266MARTIN266]

“The type-r, and the Veloster N are the closest you will get to this much chaos” Mazdaspeed3 - hold my torque steer

[@Leonidae]

**laughs in Opel OPC models**

[@calebnation7797]

I mean the mazdaspeed3 is chaotic but they’re also at this point aging, and with reliability issues. I’d say the best used machine to compare to these would be the focus ST. Torquey FWD hatch that likes to lift off oversteer

[@yupyup4209]

Best car channel ever. That old Type-R looks insanely fun!

[@josephto4324]

17:33 Thomas said "Can I drive now... " it kills me... so funny and humoristic..... good show ever seen for CTR, both !! Made in England beast.

[@stilmotionpicture]

Love my 2019 so far!