Honda Civic Type R vs BMW 135i Coupe - The Rematch!

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

After the first video where I pitched the BMW 135 against the Civic Type R, it felt like there was some unfinished business. And, it seems like some of you felt the same. So here it is, the rematch!

[@g0d182]

Good runs I wonder what gear the civic was in when it did these runs?

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thanks. The first video we did was in 3rd and 4th. This video was run in 2nd gear on both cars

[@CheapCarThrills]

For its age, the 135i fought like a champ. Fantastic little car that does everything well.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

It did, such a great car and the engine is awesome! Perfect size as well

[@17t135i]

Given the age of the 135i and their issue with carbon build up on the intake valves, it did pretty well really, I just bought an old 135i with around 40,000miles, it's like a new car, it ran 13.44 quarter mile stock, with a stage 1 mhd tune 12.93, good value cars

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

It’s such a good engine. And it makes the car really flexible. It can be a really good GT cruiser or a full blown performance car. Which is why I kept it for so long. That’s some impressive times👍

[@malcolmar]

Great job. The Type R in +R mode is savage! I usually drive it in Sport but when I do put it in +R it feels like a different car. Actually, that is one of the best things about the Type R. You have one car but it really feels like 3 different cars because of the three drive modes and again this is pretty incredible considering the price point of the car. Again, well done! I don't think people will really appreciate how driving a great performance car with an internal combustion engine adds to the driving experience until they are gone. Electric cars are only going to improve in the future but if people want a good ICE car, time is running out.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thanks. Yep, agreed, it’s a great car in so many respects and as you rightly say, +R mode can be hilarious! Don’t get me started on electric cars. I find the long term future of car ownership a pretty bleak prospect

[@malcolmar]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch We feel the same about electric cars. What is going to add to the scarcity of the Type R is the fact that so many owners out there are modding them and racing them. It's their money to do what they please but doing that does not help the longevity of the car. Some of these owners don't plan on keeping these cars. I'm keeping mine. There was a time when I would remember seeing Acura/Honda Integras everywhere but now finding one in really good shape is very rare. It is amazing how quickly the landscape of cars on the roads changes. Congrats on that ride! Enjoy!

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@malcolmar yep, it moves very quick but that’s due to manufacturers constantly wanting to churn out new cars and consumers wanting the latest. The landscape has shifted a lot and is now very much geared toward a world of finance rather that purchasing. And already the model is probably going to change again. Thank you, I’m thoroughly enjoying it!

[@rickym.5271]

I own a 2021 type r and never try out the r plus mode. Have to give it a shot now.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Nice, give it a try and let us know how it goes. On the right road +R is pretty ferocious but the suspension can be too much on a lot of roads.

[@rickym.5271]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch absolutely. I drive it in sport mode 95% of the time. I'll give it a shot asap. Thank you.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@rickym.5271 that’s pretty much my default mode most of the time 👍

[@rickym.5271]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunchyes sport mode has the perfect balance for everyday driving. Comfort mode only when the roads are extremely rough.

[@christianservin7635]

You can tell whoever is shifting the type R isn’t doing the best job, it mopped the bmw and now it’s at a standstill….

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

To be fair, the Type R was new to them, so probably could be a little quicker shifting. However, we did quite a few more runs than on this film and the results were the same each time. The BMW in 2nd was a different animal.

[@christianservin7635]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch me and you both know you should have drove the type R 🥲

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@christianservin7635 I’m not saying a word. A certain ‘somebody’ might be reading this😉😂

[@christianservin7635]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch 😏😮‍💨😉

[@g0d182]

did you watch the last two roll races? the bmw lost in the 1st runs the fk8 was not in +r mode

[@j1mx808]

Good to see the rematch and as I understand this is very much a stock 135i. Interesting the difference the +R mode made. The standard N54 135i is I would view as in a de-tuned state where as the Civic Tyre R is very must more a tuned car out of the box. It goes to show what great cars both are while also being quite different. A basic remap of the N54 in the 135i would see 370bhp and I think the Type R would struggle, the acceleration is noticeably different with the torque no longer flat. That said, I like the smooth grunt of the 135i in standard spec so cars like the Type R and more modern BMs with more switchable driving modes do have their benefits in being able to switch between driving styles.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Yep, they’re both completely stock. The N54 definitely feels like it was kept in a low state of tune. Which is proven by the ease with which more power can be extracted. Any tune on BMW would probably level out the contest or see the BMW win. Although the Civic is pretty savage in +R mode. But, some would argue, the Civic has a lot more potential as well. I think it’s more a moral victory for the BMW due to its age and mileage. Although the Civic does have beat it in pretty much every other area. I love ‘em both for different reasons

[@t.c904]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch for sure. Stage 1 MHD on the BMW and the Honda is beaten. I tried against a 911 carrera s (Stage 2+) and was round about the same level to 250 km/h

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@t.c904 agreed. It was close anyway so wouldn’t take much to take the BMW to the next level. Interesting you should say that. A while ago I had a 996 911 and had a play with a 335i and it was an interesting contest. There wasn’t much in it.

[@lexhtfdct7230]

The Civic is lighter