Honda Civic Type R: FK8 v. FK2 - How Do They Compare? New Motoring

Honda Civic Type R, FK8 v. FK2 - we've driven both, so how do they compare?
New episode of With Cars every Sunday - subscribe, comment, like, share, enjoy!
Watch two of our other recent videos:
2017 Audi A1 Review!
• 2018 Audi A1 Review! N...
2019 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Review!
• 2019 Vauxhall Insignia...
Visit New Motoring: www.newmotoring.com
Facebook: / newmotoring
Instagram: / newmotoring
Twitter: / newmotoring
Future Funk by the brilliant Joakim Karud!
/ joakimkarud

[@rohanvillamil1589]

To all the haters: why are you watching this if you hate the Civic type R?

[@newmotoring]

So true. Preach it 🙌

[@shemwydra9824]

Facts

[@blade8768]

Secret fan boys who can't afford them 🤣

[@rjung_ch]

Had my FK8 for three years and smile each time I'm driving it. Love it.

[@suprafan246]

😂 love it!

[@stephanieboyce1678]

The hate the type R gets is funny now 😂. I dive down the road with my fk8 and everyone looks and even take picture because it stands out now. try that with another up to date hot hatch like Ford Focus RS an nobody cares. It's the truth so I don't care what anyone has to say

[@newmotoring]

The FK8 is a little bit nuts. Some people love the way it looks, some people hate it, but I bet, looks aside, most people would enjoy driving one.

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

Agreed. If the car is so ugly, hoe come so many ppl look and wants to take pics of it? The haters are just a small group of ppl. No worries

[@nine182]

Lol it’s funny because most people would take the RS over a honda

[@diogopereira3731]

NewMotoring or you love or hate I love it but have no nomey for him

[@worldofz00]

Scott Harrison Most people would choose neither.

[@Neuroguitarist]

Advantages of the FK8: +Comfort Mode (big advantage), +Rev-Match, +Cup-Tyres as stock-option, +lower seats with less side "impact", +rear suspension, +more aggressive look at the front Advantages of the FK2: +feels more raw/mechanical/urgent (as said in many different tests), +more precise steering feel (many tests say that), +more hugging seats, +oil temperature displayed, +rarer car (as just produced for about a year) ... hard decision... as FK2 owner it's probably worth to wait until an upgraded version of the fk8 arrives. What do you think?

[@newmotoring]

Comfort Mode is really useful, and all the other bits and bobs you mention are really, really valuable, but the rev-match is a bit of a novelty. To be honest, if you didn't already have an FK2 I'd say buy the FK8 because it is MEGA, but stick with the FK2. They're rarer, as you said, and jumping from an FK2 to an FK8 isn't the same leap as FN2 to FK2.

[@person2186]

fk8 comes with same contisportcontact6

[@person2186]

Im also waiting for upgraded fk8 and (if) it's finally raw/mechanical/urgent as my fk2 I will upgrade. but only if. I believe making it more comfortable(which they did) they compromise the basics. also sold in usa. not good buying a car sold in the usa as well. something is not good when type-r is global model for 1st time.

[@24hrs365]

@@newmotoring The real difference is the rear independent suspension. There is no performance reason why Honda put a torsion beam in the FN2 and then the FK2. It is a cost saving measure only. My opinion, the FK8 is great looking from the front but the rear looks like they ran out of ideas. My question is this, is the FK8 worth the difference in price over the FK2.

[@thanasischristopoulos2515]

At the end!! Which of these are best? I mean, the driving behavior!! The fk2 is so tiring driving??

[@generalzod9042]

I brought my Ep3 brand new 15 years later I now I want to get new type R. Which one.....

[@Fuzion180]

Think I want an FK8 now, went for a test drive the other day. Great car to drive and just a nice place to be inside, both nice cars though for sure

[@stevevater8598]

Well done mate, that was another great review. I've owned accord type r , got an few and integra dc5 at moment. I think my few is a brilliant effort and has provided me excellent service and driving. But when the chips are down its not in same league as accord. Or anywhere as monstrously fierce as dc5.

[@TBills3000]

id take the fk2 over the fk8 any day.

[@newmotoring]

FK8 is good, but, personally, the FK2 is a total legend, even if it isn't as good all-round.

[@immortalscience]

@@newmotoring it is trust me

[@joshuafontanez24]

It even looks better, i hope i get one fk2 soon

[@jasonboyle7203]

Hey but that comfort mode on fk8 and seats more comfy. Glad I waited for fk8 😍

[@Niallboy1]

Fk8 much more precise and planted. I get the extra theatre you might get from an fk2 but most of that character is built upon flaws. Torque steer and rev hang unacceptable to me, hence my fk8

[@PlanetautoUK]

Great review, lots of info - love that you featured the EK9, arguably the best looking and most fun.

[@newmotoring]

Thanks! I like all of them, to be honest. Although FK2 is probably the favourite... [Dreams of a five-Type R garage...]

[@PlanetautoUK]

NewMotoring make it happen 😃

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

Planet Auto ek9 too bland and overrated. Integra r better.

[@hibbs79]

Good video mate 👍👍👍

[@sikcivic80]

Great video! Thank you

[@newmotoring]

Thanks Mark!

[@TerraNosOlhos]

What is the cosum in each case? Are they similar?

[@ahmedp800]

Great comparison!

[@newmotoring]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Was good fun to make.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Is the shade of blue offered in Europe different than in the US (or is it just an extra colour)? I quite like the deeper blue better than this lighter blue.

[@newmotoring]

In the US there's Aegean Blue, in Europe it's Brilliant Sporty Blue!

[@Bryan-ir1ex]

On the fk2, can you configure the settings separately? Say you want the suspension to be in the normal mode but the throttle mapping to be in +R mode?

[@TheDarksider85]

No you cant. Is is either normal or +R

[@coolchow]

Which car had the bigger boot ? Useable ?

[@celticwind4122]

The reason the looks changed so much was becuase the UK didnt get the former type r FD2 that japanese got that was the medium stage between styling and pwer.

[@newmotoring]

Exactly. Good looking machine the FD2.

[@emmadeeba2038]

Great video both superb, as is my ep3 which I’ve had for 14 years now with no problems what so ever. Can’t beat Honda reliability

[@ravinderpalsingh9363]

I am still thinking to buy ep3 ... But I am concerned over rear seat space for my child with child seat

[@generalzod9042]

@@ravinderpalsingh9363 buy it

[@emmadeeba2038]

@Andy Barrett 57k

[@generalzod9042]

@@emmadeeba2038 I have 110000 miles on mine 2004. From brand new purs like a kitten. Do you want sell your car?

[@emmadeeba2038]

@@generalzod9042 yes I’ve heard k20s go for ever. No I’ll probably never sell it as I’ve had it for 15years and grown attached to it🤣

[@gravityhammer25]

I love my FK8, I wish they sold the FK2 in the US becuase I actually like the FK2 front end a little better with those pronounced fender flares but the FK8 still looks sexy to me I love it :P Driving wise, the FK8 is like a FWD porsche GT3 car... absolutely incredible in handling. It is not slow either, has more than enough power for the street.

[@carlmarkwyatt]

Thank you for an excellent video. The FK2 did very little for me as I though the styling was tacky and I don't like the idea of torsion beam rear suspension on a serious hot hatch. The FK8 though is a car I really aspire to own, I love the styling and I like the idea of a comfort mode that is actually comfortable to compliment sport and +R modes which is only possible thanks to independent rear suspension. I'm not sure if I'll ever have a new one but I will have a FK8 one day.

[@newmotoring]

Pleasure, and thank you for commenting. The comfort mode just makes it that little bit more useable. And I'm sure you will, too. :) SW

[@jecksonng89]

Both are super car👍🏾

[@hankosanko]

wish they brought a eg civic type r

[@TassieLorenzo]

You make a good point about potentially still being NA, I had never thought of it before but I guess Honda could have potentially used the 270hp 3.5 V6 manual (from the Accord coupe) in the great style of the Alfa GTA and Golf R32. A V6 Civic Type R would have been very, very interesting and still given the prerequisite power.

[@newmotoring]

V6 would have sounded brilliant but wouldn't have suited a modern Type R really. Too heavy for one thing. But the noise... Mmm.

[@R33C3.]

Gotta love the new type R's

[@newmotoring]

It's a monster.

[@cupra2Jock.]

dont buy a performance car if you want a plush comfy ride. don't buy a Japanese performance car if you don't want mid 90's style aesthetics. if you can jock a car properly, man behind would need to be on the same level as you or a 911 type car to keep up down a back road.

[@FlyingGentile]

3:55-3:57 slow down the video...😂😂😂😂 dude said......👀

[@fswing9591]

Now that the dust settled we are seeing more unbiased reviews like this. I see no reason to trade my FK2 for FK8. I don't want to repeat the mistake of trading the EP3 for FN2

[@santoshrathod123]

Except the FN2 was terrible lol.

[@newmotoring]

Drive the FK8 if you can (why not have both?!), but the fact the FK2 is a rarer car is reason enough not to trade it in.

[@fswing9591]

Have no chance to drive the FK8. I am in Portugal and Honda Portugal changed hands and in result nobody knows the price, the delivery times, specifications, .... Thus, I am looking forward for the 2018 Megane RS AW steering that will smash all Nürburgring lap records

[@stephenfletcher3913]

Santosh Rathod no it wasnt, it wasnt as raw as its predecessor (ep3) but it was a better car overall

[@WeeFreeMan78]

You never had an EP3 nor a FN2. Else you wouldn't post something so naive...

[@step0601]

Drag race would be interesting...or not. I'd hope the laggy throttle of the FK2 has been resolved for the FK8. Wish I'd kept my FK2 though, great hot hatch.

[@stevevater8598]

step0601 have you ever had a drive in a dc5??

[@step0601]

No, but I've had 3 EP3's, an FN2 and a S2000. Always wanted to have a go in an Integra, I believe the dc5 had the EP3 engine and renowned for being the ultimate FWD car.

[@newmotoring]

Shame you sold your FK2. Epic car. But try the FK8 if you can, you'd enjoy it, I'm sure.

[@step0601]

It was epic, great front end. Somehow it felt great in the wet, once moving. I had a very memorable drive in Wales before I sold it.

[@40022laconia]

The fk8 has now make me like the fk2 even more than i did before.

[@tommykaira8775]

Am I the only one who prefer the FK2?

[@joeseibert1425]

Can you get the fk2 in america??? I've never seen this before

[@plocobdmflyboy]

would have to import

[@Phar2Rekliss]

dynos are reading 295+-whp (max seen on yt is 298hp) with 275 wftlbs. so they are not 316hp. more like 320ish with 300ftlbs.

[@cDisturbed.]

I'm thinking about getting the fk2 this weekend, it's still just so expensive tho😢😢😢

[@theinsideguy4076]

DO IT!

[@krisc6644]

Did it;-) black one for me fk2 ;-)

[@puchoslice6258]

I want this car honda type r pickup I love it one day I'll hit the lottery n I'll buy it

[@dallasmellsop5488]

Finally someone who appreciates a raw car

[@TheMachRider]

That’s almost every car enthusiast hahah

[@person2186]

@@TheMachRider wrong, some of them get paid to infulence people. this is not a enthusiast, it is a cheater. Not refering newmotoring they are fine

[@TheMachRider]

@@person2186 so what I said stands- enthusiasts appreciate raw cars. Wtf haha

[@hartmutthomas989]

Dieser Fk 8 ist ein Messer . Ganz klar . Selten erwähnt aber auch Weltklasse : Die Unempfindlichkeit gegen Seitenwind .

[@Ambienfinity]

I love Hondas, and this baby is a real bad boy - but they just couldn't stop designing the bodywork. God, it's got so many folds and creases that it looks like metal origami. Looking at your film is interesting, because the old car is far more handsome.

[@newmotoring]

Agreed! Old car looked nuts at the time but looks fairly simple compared to the FK8.

[@Ambienfinity]

I do wish Japanese manufacturers would do what VW and BMW do, and maintain their brand identity by going with evolution, rather than revolution, looks wise. I really liked the old Vindaloo Civic - all they needed to do was jam the new engineering smarts in a slightly updated body and away you go.

[@markc9274]

If truth be told, Fk2 the more aggressive and better car. FK8 great comfortable all rounder with a few improvements needed for global sale...well actually America targeted especially. In my opinion, Honda next move should aim at 370+bhp, AWD with DSG or manual option and reach out to potential buyers who don't want FWD, those who do go for the FK8, which let's be honest current generation will run at Swindon for years to come with no such thing as limited stock - Supply and demand will decide FK8 fate! In comparison the FK2 production finished months ago as planned resulting in one of the rarest of all Type Rs which means truly limited in numbers and makes it the most special of Type Rs 1st Turbo - the collectible keeper! Also while I remember, let's not forgot about the new Megane RS rumoured utilising 4 wheel steering, could well be a good competitor and due release 2018. I'm not sure if Ford plan on doing another RS anytime soon, I know there's a limited LSD run for America. So in reality, right now couldn't be a better time for Honda to start experimenting with AWD system and release a Type R edition limited and test the waters....well let's be realistic all Honda engineers need to do is utilise the best of FK2 and FK8 more power, awd, dsg keep the weight down best they can and aim for 40k MSRP.....surely on to a winner going down that road....

[@newmotoring]

FK8 is still aggressive, it just has some extra capability at the comfort end of the scale. Do you think Honda will ditch FWD for the next Type R then? FK2 will be a special car for years to come - you're right, so few were built relative to how many FK8s there will be. Doubt Ford will do a new RS for a few years - new Focus, followed by ST first and then RS. But an experimental, limited edition AWD FK8 would be fun to see! Thanks Mark, awesome stuff. SW

[@markc9274]

NewMotoring I would be very much surprised if Honda haven't already experimented with awd and dsg automatic gearbox in an Fk8 chassis, but let's be mindful going down that road completely new territory for Honda specifically for the Type R, However Turbo in the FK2 was new territory, Honda gave it a try and it worked out well. There's absolutely nothing wrong with fwd and manual gearbox in both FK2 and FK8. Car manufacturers who offer awd, dsg are simply targeting a much wider audience which makes complete sense. I know many are adamant awd, dsg so much better, but in reality it isn't superior anymore, however does offer a different driving experience, but many set in their ways and won't consider a car unless awd and dsg so surely at some point Honda will be forced to change their ways. I know many Type R owners already think fwd has reached its limits. I get everyone has their own likes and dislikes so it kinda puts Honda in a difficult situation with what to do. If Honda considered awd and maybe toned down the styling a little they'd surely be onto a winner but could they keep the weight down and make it commercially viable in terms of making a profit....I think that's the real issue here - awd, dsg doesn't particular make a good track focused race car for the road which is what the Type R all about. Maybe a completely new model is needed but doing so could easily put a nail in the Type R coffin so any potential awd, dsg toned down new model range needs careful consideration indeed!!

[@JNPhotography]

NewMotoring their head of development for the type r said (in a video I saw on one of honda's official channels) that AWD wasn't off the table when they first started looking at the fk8 but they decided that it would be more suited to the type r "tradition" to keep it fwd. personally, I don't care, I've driven the fk2 and after having driven friends various RWD BMWs and an RS, I still think the fk2 is a beast and I'll be test driving the fk8 next week before deciding which of the 2 I'll be buying in the new year 💪🏼

[@asiansrule45]

What an idiotic statement. I hope the civic never has any of those things you just mentioned.

[@stevevater8598]

Mark C I think your awd suggestion would significantly diminish the "feel" of the type r. Which imo is it usp. (I have owned 3 different r's )

[@labatmobile8326]

❤️❤️

[@RelaxAndSmokeMeth]

Me want eh... ef k to. Much need, please.

[@sinngsg9]

Still think the FK2 looks the best plus its somehow more of a Type R than the new one , the new FK8 has wider seats for are bigger friends and OMG a comfort setting in a Type R what is the world coming to :) plus its got an electronic braking brake how on earth are you going to do hand brake turns

[@newmotoring]

The seats didn't feel any bigger that the FK2's (perhaps they're bigger in the US but not in Europe?), and the comfort setting makes it a better car to live with (it's still a lunatic when you want it to be!), but agreed with your point about the hand brake... HAND BRAKE TURNS ARE ESSENTIAL!

[@diegozavala1199]

sinngsg9 I don't know how small of a frame you have to have to complain about the seats feeling bigger, and nobody will admit it but a hard suspension setting like 'track' just isn't pleasant in a daily driver. They didn't take it away, they gave us more options. This is the wrong car to do hand break turns in, if you want the rear end to swing around either go balls to the wall on a back road or buy a 240 like the rest of us. Sorry about the rant.

[@krisc6644]

Just bougth my black fk2 ❤️

[@y4ngel]

Where do you live?

[@newmotoring]

England my dear fellow!

[@NotoriousZNT]

That's my city

[@AmYisraelChaiEchad]

It has a k motor with a turbo.. wow.. that's so old.. that's not a type r.. that's an si engine with a turbo kit.

[@poolplexer]

Why is Paul Simons son doing the review?

[@Neuroguitarist]

Because FK2R= Sound of Silence

[@jeremyjohn1954]

Its a false statement that Honda could not have got efficiency from an NA engine. They could have with their K24 engine. BMW were doing that for years before they started turbocharging: increasing capacity but increasing fuel efficiency

[@ssldt1987]

dont like the dials in the fk8 compare to the fk2

[@stevevater8598]

Bloody predictive text !! Meant FN2 (not few)

[@Fuzion180]

Looks so much like a subaru impreza in blue lol

[@MagiKKarpets]

I love my FK2, it will go the grave with me.

[@newmotoring]

Great, GREAT choice. Hold on to it!

[@chrisarmstrong6997]

Looks very aggressive getting one next year

[@hankosanko]

america never got it, so didnt australia

[@newmotoring]

But you do get FK8 at least!

[@KJVirander]

Fk2 is better looking imo

[@ashneel]

People will laugh at you much lesser in the FK2

[@newmotoring]

The FK2 was just brilliant. Desperately wan't to buy one!

[@screenpatch4146]

Honda civic type r vs toyota vios xdddd

[@swanblake]

Only Honda can make the FK2 look good by making the FK8 so ugly.

[@jspec1398]

Soo disappointed in Honda company they rice the shit out of that car for ricer kids. Bring back the old school type r looks and no one will hate on it

[@Highlander1518]

They don’t....the vents and spoiler is actually functional. It’s not there for show.

[@cianhendrie3758]

Fk8 type r is nothing compared to fk2 type r

[@adrianguixiang258]

im a honda lover, but type R styling needs to calm down

[@tracktimevideos5164]

Good video. The Focus RS is so much better than both of these cars though. FWD is for nans.

[@newmotoring]

Have you actually driven the FK2 or FK8 though?

[@rohanvillamil1589]

ya bro?

[@Highlander1518]

what a stupid comment. No one cares. Will your beloved RS still be on the road in years to come? Probably not. The FK8 will still be ticking over. Have you ever driven an FK8? Probably not..

[@wildchilde69]

I find AWD far less challenging to drive fast relative to FF, so which one is really for nans? Both the FK2 and FK8 consistently put in quicker lap times than the RS on track, have more rear hatch space and have a far nicer interior (RS's is hideous for the price point). The Focus RS is better in inclement weather, stoplight drag racing and has a better soundtrack as standard. Failing to see how it's "so much better" than either of the Civics to be honest. All 3 are great cars really.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

@@wildchilde69 sorry but which AWD cars are you suggesting are less challenging and rewarding? There are AWD cars that are far more fun and playful than a fwd car as they can power oversteer on demand or even by accident and wag the tail unlike fwd cars which are totally one dimensional by way of physics.

[@sebastianspalding5016]

boaring

[@SIRICKO]

sebastian spalding stfu

[@diecaprisonne643]

FK8 is the ugliest civic ever

[@ntensity84]

Great review and very unbiased. I drove an FK2 briefly but own a DC5. I must say the FK8 looks more like a Integra evolution than a civic due to the body. I prefer the FK8 but the rear is a a little OTT, maybe I'm getting old. I'm hoping they can do something with a new S2000 release. Amazing engineering and car though.

[@newmotoring]

Thank you! The rear of the FK8 is A LOT to take in, but the way it drives is excellent. It's breadth of abilities is staggering. And don't worry, people at Honda are desperate for a new S2000 too!

[@kofib3]

NewMotoring I agree about the back. Its too fussy. They got the styling front of the FK8 right which looks quietly aggressive and confident. Must admit it does look good in Night hawk black... 😎