Honda Civic Type R vs. Ford Focus RS: Which Hatch Is Hottest?

[@DanW9110]

I've owned both, type R is better overall in my opinion

[@Convisis]

Dan W interesting, what do you like about it more?

[@DanW9110]

@@Convisis I'll try my best to summaries, to give you some context, I owned the RS for just over 12 months when I had head gasket failure, even though ford fixed it I fell out of love with the car and was worried it might happen again so sold it. I've currently owned the type R for just over 12 months. Type R: Better handling (the way this car goes round corners at speed puts a massive grin on my face) Better Gearbox Stronger engine (especially at higher RPM's) Better Damped (Ride isn't as firm as Focus RS even in type R mode) Better seating position Better quality car (materials, paint etc) Feel good factor (when it first came out, I was skeptical about the way it looked from the pictures, in real life it looks awesome and I've parked it next to many RS's and it just looks better in my opinion, people seem much more interested in it than the RS, casual looks / conversations at petrol stations etc) Overall easier to live with everyday (the ride is smooth and doesn't give me a sore back over long journeys like the RS did, I averaged 26 mpg in the RS, I average 36 mpg in the type R, exact same commute to work with the same driving style, as its my daily reliability is a huge thing and as its a Honda you have piece of mind, I haven't yet had any issues with it and the dealership experience is better from what I have experienced) Focus Rs: Noise Traction (I do miss the four wheel drive in the wet) I'm planning on putting the Remus exhaust on the type R to give it more noise and the type R handles better than the RS in the dry so I guess you can't have everything :) hope this answers your question adequately.

[@Convisis]

Dan W excellent description and summary mate, much appreciated! Enjoy your Type R 👍🏻

[@ushio1087]

type R is ricer car

[@mugammadbenjamin2597]

@@altimgamr still one of the best selling cars.

[@someguywithaford]

I believe he was a bit misleading with the Focus. The focus has incredible steering feel, paired with its IntelligentAWD. Now under light driving, the Civic will feel and be more agile than the Focus. But under hard driving/tracking, the Focus will out perform and out last the Civic with torque vectoring, which Ford bragged allows the Focus to get over 1G around a corner. And spreading power to all the tires vs the ones needed to go around a corner, the Focus will keep its grip longer instead of overusing its front tires. But, as a person who looks at things from a logical perspective, the Civic has its advantages. The RS is a gas guzzler, with a bigger and more powerful engine. The Civic will also probably live longer than the focus. Despite all of this though, I would have a very tough time choosing one over the other

[@davidwright2723]

This lad must be driving a different RS to what I’ve got

[@pete-ex7qt]

Opinions are like a-holes everyone has one but I would have liked to have seen the reviewer actually drive these cars hard. I can put my RS around a street corner at 60km/h. Feel the car stick and then drop the accelerator. While I am still cornering. I am not sure how well front wheel drive cars handle that sort of driving. Based on my experience of owning front wheel drive Mazdas. The Civic probably doesn't handle it very well at all.

[@stevenrintoul2381]

@@pete-ex7qt I can do that in pretty much every car i have driven. 60kph lmao thats pussy speed.

[@eduardoalvarez4684]

I have an RS and I have no idea what he’s talking about regarding the shifter.

[@mr2fas2]

I think your butt just hurt over someone else's opinion.

[@upbeatmantis86]

Typical ford owners .. heh heh heh

[@dr3v3l]

The Type R styling is definitely growing on me. Don't care if it has less Hp, the focus just looks like a regular econobox

[@shahulhusman]

I love Honda.. But bought the RS.. Awd in the northeast and I can't get over the looks

[@averyclements1110]

It's the sexiest car ever I was the type r looked like the focus BC I like the type r better but the focus is the nicest fucking car iv ever seen

[@supersurfer1]

Focus looks nice but the type r looks awesome.

[@shahulhusman]

@@supersurfer1 if your under 25 lol.. Maybe it's me.. I'm 40 a d can't pull off the typeR

[@supersurfer1]

@@shahulhusman I'm 53 currently driving BMW 640d sport. Always had BMW mainly and I think the type r is a welcome change from the regular boring functional German cars.

[@panamera53]

Focus RS is nice, but the Type R gets lots of attention

[@bonamin]

So, technically for those who don't get it, the Civic Type-R is more precisely engineered than evey other hatch (or similarly priced car) out there, and actually a lot faster too. It's more practical, handles extremely well, and typically as a Honda, has very good internal spaces, the reliability of a rock, and is easy to maintain. It's VERY agressive and futuristic looks are considered extreme now, but so was the FN2 Type-R back then. The FN2 still looks fresh today, as this will in 10 years. That's classic Honda design philosophy. So, unless you are handicapped and retarded and only race in a "straight line" the Civic Type-R will most likely get you in front of anything you put in its path. If you are a quarter mile worrior though, DON'T buy a Type-R. It is not meant for you.

[@brucelee7283]

you could drag the type r though....if you are good at shifting.

[@Natethegreat200c]

Reliability? PLZ.

[@MADDLANDD]

Focus is only good in a straight line... Right.

[@dontcare7190]

The Focus RS is one of the easiest manual transmissions. When I heard you said it was difficult I almost spit out was I was drinking. Smooth shifts, non-plastic feeling clutch. Pure driver's car.

[@Shaggie_Thrills]

Don't Care ehhh if it's like the St trans, the shifter is lacking in feel, I used to miss shifts every now and then because of this, I got a weighted knob and it fixed the problem though.

[@brianfawcett9265]

He's judging it with aftermarket shifter. Not really apples to apples.

[@luckyrYtArd]

ik man I am a noob driver and the RS is my first car, its took me 2 days and 3-5 stalls only to drive it properly, i dont know about the others but i think for me its pretty easy to drive

[@Shaggie_Thrills]

@@luckyrYtArd yeah once you drive it once or twice the St is super easy to drive, just kinda sloppy feeling when driving enthusiastically.

[@guillermopacheco5005]

The ST needs a 140 dollar upgrade to make the shifter feel tight

[@ChiefKandiyohi]

I think both these cars are great, but being a Minnesotan makes the RS the obvious choice. Ain't nobody got time for FWD.

[@matth2839]

No one worth their salt drives FWD regardless of geography or situation. 🐤🐣

[@9unslin9er]

You can get by just fine in snow with FWD. In fact, the Civic looks like it has more ground clearance. However, the RS is just flat out the better car. 350hp to all four wheels is just insane for a 4banger. It completely outclasses the STI and Evos of yore.

[@Aezelll]

99.9% of people out on the roads in MN in the winter in sedans are in a FWD vehicle, and do just fine. AWD doesn't do jack for stopping power or traction on ice around a corner. Stopping and sliding are what get you on ice. The idea that you need an AWD vehicle to live in a snowy climate is just nonsense. Don't get me wrong, it's nice, but not needed. I say that as a Speed6 owner with AWD.

[@telliesmith9825]

Never heard anyone say the focus was like a muscle car 😒

[@RoyalFizzbin]

Tellie Smith Right? He also said “it doesn’t handle well.” That is the first time I have ever heard anything remotely close to that about the Focus RS, or even the Focus ST, for that matter.

[@RoyalFizzbin]

James Bradbury He literally did say that. I was quoting his *exact* words.

[@hangnarith]

Tellie Smith yeah this guy has no ideas

[@user-uq7lk1xr7u]

The RS even has drift mode....

[@AlDim000]

Nobody has said that it's like a muscle car because it's nothing like one lol.

[@iJudo]

I actually sold my RS and now have the Type R. You're correct on the creature comforts. I loved the heated seats and steering wheel, but I'm in CA so the Type R doesn't bother me. It also doesn't even have a trunk release button. It's bare bones. The ergonomics though for me is perfect. I couldn't get comfortable with the RS seat. The height was all wrong for me as well as the bolster. It made shifting difficult. Then the clutch in traffic just killed your leg. The Type R clutch is just right. Like the old Civic Si's I had. Easy to manage and light enough. I couldn't be happier with the switch. Being comfortable driving was what was missing in the RS for me. The Type R covered that easily in Sport or Comfort mode. Oh and lastly, the attention it gets is sometimes weird and fun at the same time. It's just not for everyone. I'm no young whipper snapper, but I love this thing. For the folks saying 350Z, put the new 3.0t in that thing like the Q50S I just sold, then you'd have something. That motor would make that car the king of coupes.

[@gordonyip8415]

Would you say the Type R is slower than RS?

[@iJudo]

@@gordonyip8415 not at all. The RS lost steam up top but the bottom was plenty enough. The Type R just keeps pulling even at Redline. That was even with the heavy stock wheels. I changed to Volks and cut that weight and now it’s even lighter on its feet. I’ve been easy on it though. You can tell with my miles per gallon. I’m doing 29.1 MPG mixed driving. Mostly highway miles.

[@gordonyip8415]

@@iJudo Thanks bro. I do agree with the high rpm difference, the R does push my heartbeat up when heading to redline. How can we resolve the slow pick up issue?

[@iJudo]

@@gordonyip8415 A heavier right foot? 😂. Seriously, the PRL intake even at stage 1 had a bit of difference down low. I’m going to the switch to the PRL HVI hoping for more. I’m avoiding the Hondata flash cause of my 8 yr warranty but I’m really tempted right now.

[@gordonyip8415]

@@iJudo I do have PRL intake but no tune , just wanted to keep my factory warranty. Ya, some people say even you tune it, it could be hard for Honda to justify your damage is due to the tune. But thats your own risk....

[@azikkii]

Am I the only one who actually thinks the Type R is a good looking car? I like that it looks different and it has its' own quirks that will never be seen on any other car.

[@ianbradley7215]

I've got to agree. The RS is a great car if you want to stamp your foot on the accelerator when the light goes green. The Civic is better in every other category. And yes, even the looks. The RS is just another half circle trying to blend in with the other half circles.

[@raw_pc]

If you can’t have good time in 90HP car then 350HP certainly won’t help you. Power is not everything. I would take the TypeR over RS any day.

[@theriseagainstfan01]

Never driven the type r.. but saying the RS has a difficult shifter and heavy clutch is a joke, it’s an extremely easy and satisfying manual to drive

[@emmadeeba2038]

Boom that civic is the best sports car ever built for the money, not only is it good day to day but when you get it on a track it’s astonishing!

[@FlyinGato]

Type R all day for track day enthusiasts, though the AWD helps a lot in the snow and winter, as does the heated seats, so RS for a daily driven fun car!

[@Fadic4]

FlyinGato you could just get winter tires and the lsd will be more than enough

[@kclark8080]

I like the RS for the track too, since you can actually drift it. How do they compare in actual track times?

[@Fadic4]

K Clark www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic/2018/ford-focus-rs-honda-civic-type-r-volkswagen-golf-r-subaru-wrx-sti-type-ra-comparison/

[@kclark8080]

Got it! Interesting. Sounds like the Civic is as good as they say. I'd still take the Focus tho....

[@FlyinGato]

I'm in your racoon wounds

[@mhicks31]

Heated seats are a deal breaker?

[@mhicks31]

James Bradbury I'm well north of that, and I survived for many years without heated seats. It's a luxury item in my opinion. I'm buying a type r

[@riccccccardo]

Michael Steele well I owned a m4 gold got for eight years and for the first six years I didn’t realise I had heated seats lol when I did hardly even used it.

[@Joe_Friday]

Michael Steele You're gonna love it

[@mudgatebronn4438]

Michael Steele ok? And you're ok with it looking like something a dog vomited on the carpet?

[@outlawgt3045]

Maybe I'm old school at 35 years old but in this day and age the ONLY features I want in my car is the basics.. Heat/AC... Nice stereo.. And I'll take those roll up windows.. That's all I want.. The fact that heated seats are an absolute must for you folks is mind blowing to me... Pretty soon your cars will be reporting you to the police anytime you speed or break any kind of traffic violation.. Your cars will have the ability to lock you in it and wait for police to get you.. All this tech will be the downfall of mankind.. You people want internets in your cars.. It's getting ridiculous at this point... Keep your TV's and internets and automatic 911 callers and rear view cameras and heated seats and all that crap...

[@paulosicne5803]

IDK why all the thumbs down. This is a great review and great camera views of the cars, unlike matt farah and others who only show boring shots of themselves and go pro front window shots. Keep up the good work man. New subscriber.

[@GaryStreet-ux9zp]

I have a 2020 Type R FK8 in Rallye Red and its by far the best ever car i have had. put a smile on my face every time i get in it. Its a massive head turner holds the road like glue and blistering performance.

[@VAspeed3]

Definitely would have to drive both to know which one I would perfer. Thought the RS was the best until the new Civic Type R came out. Now seems to be a toss-up.

[@azrulleomessi9954]

Honda Civic Type-R ✌️

[@54529]

Azrul Leo Messi nigga u trippin

[@Toecuttr]

Honda lacks AWD and looks like a gaming mouse.

[@didiermejia780]

ToeCutter . Type R lacks AWD yet it's +30 seconds faster on the nuringbur track than the focus. Type R all the way!!!

[@troublezzzz]

ToeCutter AWD weeee weeee! The type R don’t need a heavy awd system underneath. The only time the ford wins is from kick off. The type R wins rolling start and around the track so ford lose!

[@Toecuttr]

troublezzzz And how often do people take these cars to track? Not very. What matters is who will leave whom behind at the traffic light and Ford will leave Honda behind every time.

[@didiermejia780]

ToeCutter haha. True. Type r is more comfortable for daily driving though.

[@troublezzzz]

ToeCutter I dunno for USA but here in the UK we have lots of B roads. The type R is the ideal car for those kind of roads because of cornering. Thats where you enjoy the fun.

[@timberlinecline3667]

This guy must be one if not the baddest reviews on KZbin please make this guy go away

[@LonelyTigerGrowl]

I feel like he took a test drive and started recording himself

[@revnto7k]

The choice is easy, I don't want a car that needs a new engine at 20K miles. Honda for the win.

[@thomassmith2593]

35 thousand mile and beating the shit out of it every day. Original motor and is as good as it was when I bought it!

[@avilesjexiel]

You mean head gasket? The shit they already took care of? Make sense kid.

[@renanmarchet9865]

Like many auto makers, the head gaskets are a recall that is done before the vehicle is sold, so yeah, problem solved!

[@edqt]

That's not a 2018 focus rs in the video, 2018 has a LSD which makes it even better.

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Well said. I own a Type R and LOVE it AND I love how it looks as well. After being stuck with a car that kept breaking down time and time again when it came to buying news cars, reliability was one of the top things on our list. For a car were are going to keep for a long time we went for that Honda engineering. The RS looks like a fun car to drive for short term. Those crackles sound great and are not in the Type R. If I knew a someone who was willing to let me drive an RS I would definitely not say no but for our family, but the Type R is the kind of car you want to own because you know it was built to last even without those crackles. There is a reason Type Rs have such high re-sale value. BTW I love the fact fun driving hot hatches like this are still around. Sadly at the time of this comment, we lost the RS so if people what these cars to stick around longer BUY THEM!

[@AzNightmare]

*wtf, that RS has a modded drift handbrake. lol.*

[@AZNHELLCAT]

Civic type R for the Win!

[@mudgatebronn4438]

Ron Don yes it wins the ugly award by miles

[@john-martin]

overheats for miles, if it can go that far

[@giveaway6314]

CTR for sure. I love how it looks. It is a head turner. I wish it had better sound though

[@mudgatebronn4438]

Give Away it's a head turner alright. It turns heads away because nobody can't stand looking at it without puking

[@joelcollins5586]

Yeah it's gross looking.

[@Alex13mod]

The Focus RS is 2.3 Litre turbo not 2.0

[@repairaholic4858]

That's what it shows? They are both turbo cars

[@Alex13mod]

@@repairaholic4858 check his description he said 2.0. I own a 2016 RS its 2.3 Litre.

[@jim6807]

I own an 18 RS.. few bolt ons tune etc.. I HIGHLY doubt the FWD Honda Civic can beat the AWD in the Focus RS.. You can literally feel the awd swinging you around the corners. (But that’s not to say I have a problem with the Type R)

[@masterrick2759]

This guy calls a car with rear biased all wheel drive and drift mode a "strait line car" and a civic R people make cat butt faces at. Sounds like he drives a farm truck

[@alanarzate93]

I would only go with the type r because it looks way better in my opinion but that exhaust on the rs is insane

[@vitaminyi3359]

What it comes down to is do you live in an area that requires AWD? If so, pay $7k more for a Focus RS. If you dont need AWD, the Civic Type R will be perfectly fine, faster, and save you $7k.

[@mannygonzales2009]

I agree, type R’s finest Drift Mode and Rev matching is superb!!

[@duhduhlovo1670]

Would like to see the civic type R go against the Focus RS Mk2 that's a better match both are FWD 300-315HP and hatchbacks

[@joescivic]

Gas mileage is advertised higher than what this video shows for the Type R. 22 City, 28 highway. Although I average every tank around 23-24 Strictly city driving. I've gotten upwards of 33MPG with mixed highway and city. Annnddd, my rear hatch is not heavy. Lol. I push the button in back and it pops up. Sort of slowly, but comes easily. I wouldn't want it to raise faster

[@michaeldubhep.pamplona2530]

I like RS’s exterior, powerful engine, handling and quickness. I like CTR’s interior, gearbox, reliability, durability, longevity, techs, comfort, legroom.

[@tcmbrown]

The Type R is like Honda wanted it to be. Reserved until you need the power. Then BOOM! Its there. Has some nice features. Sounds, looks and handles great. The Focus RS is made like typical American made muscle cars. Has great power. But made most my for straight line. Yay it has heated seats and steering wheel. But in a car that's not truly made for DD, why have those things? Neither of these cars are made for deiving during the winter time. Thus the tires they come with from the factory are summer tires. Not all seasons. The Focus RS is nice but interior looks...cheap. Whereas the interior of the Type R is more refined.

[@OmarDelawar]

Type R looks like the ricers dream and the huge wing allows you to air dry your clothes on it.

[@luckyrYtArd]

LOL you made my day mate

[@suleymancakr6724]

Nothing rice direct race ;)

[@yint2416]

You most be a none car guy

[@3rdcoastpapi]

Focus is a ricer too lol it's just American take on a ricer. It's like PF Chang's to Chinese food. Lmao

[@Phrancis5]

Civic Type R FTW! but its styling is just over the top for much of the older crowd that can afford it now. The Focus is just clean looking.

[@kevnev007]

Ford no way. Honda reliability all day long.

[@itr_cloud]

I can see you raving about the RS's engine tone but doesn't Ford use something called "Active Noise Control" to fill the cabin with "fake" engine noise depending on the RPM range?

[@2zer084]

It's real noise, just manifold noise piped into the cabin, but yes, it's nice though quiet when you want it and real engine note when you floor it, happy medium

[@paulstabin6233]

You pretty much nailed the review. I own a 2018 CTR, but test drove the RS when it came out. Cornering is actually quite special and capable on the RS, but overall it just felt less natural than the Type R and less relatable. The only real knock on the Type R is the turning circle. 39.5 feet is not good. The Civic SI I traded for it was significantly better there. So the Type R is great at turns. Just not so much at U-turns. The RS has a two foot shorter number- 37.5 feet. But I really, really hate extra weight in a drivers car, so give me the lighter Type R over an RS. The Type R is already at the top of my preferred weight limit. The 2017 SI sedan that I just traded was 200 pounds lighter, and an amazing driver's car, even down 101 hp to the Type R. Nothing wrong with the SI except cheap seating material and a lot of rev hang. But I just had to have the legend. Sorry, not sorry. And then there's that engine failure issue that some early RS models had. So dodged a bullet there. Still glad I got to try it, it I would always wonder otherwise. I loved 'The RS is a muscle car with a hatchback, the Type R is a five door sports car.' Which is not to say that the Type R does not have grunt, or that the RS cannot corner. But you captured the overall character of these two overachievers perfectly. The Type R might put my insurance premiums at risk. The Focus RS...fahgeddabout it. I hit 80 mph on the test drive without even meaning to. There is that much power on tap. And I'm no kid. You can still drive the Civic Type R and stay legal. Ish.

[@pgtmr2713]

Ford Probe GT for the win!

[@alexm4515]

Poor review. are you mad?! I have an RS and it's 6 speed is perfectly fine. As for Civic vs Focus in handling and acceleration, the Focus nails it off the line. Once past 60MPH, the Civic takes it.

[@nickc6842]

My brother had the rs for about 5 months. He sold it asap because it had the worst transmission out of any car he's had (he's had 12 cars by now). My 370z 6 speed ain't that great either but at least I can admit it lol

[@Truepk]

@@nickc6842 Why was it bad? My worst transmission was the Hyundai genesis coupe manual, gear grinding. My focus RS after the hg fix needed to reset my shift cable because dealers suck ass, but before that it was smooth and after the reset it's back to smooth, just like everyone else on the focus forums have reported. Seems to me like maybe your brother doesn't know how to drive.

[@nickc6842]

@@Truepk Why was it bad? I don't know, he lives in Germany so I never drove it. The only other person I've personally known to have an rs didn't like it either and sold it after a year. The guy that made the video also had problems. I just think it's not that good of a car like most of you on your forum I guess, but I'm sure you're just fanboys who are willing to back it up no matter what... It's a car, not your wife. Plus you bought a genny so your opinion is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to cars, unlike my brothers. He's had some of the most badass cars that I can think of and only disliked the rs

[@nickc6842]

@@Truepk it looks very nice tho

[@TheJayDawg21]

The Focus RS has advantage off the starting line because of AWD. But the Civic Type R will catch up because its aerodynamics will create less drag.

[@alexm4515]

Ford Focus Issues: Head gasket needs dealer replacement Suspension too stiff for rough daily roads Honda Civic Issues: Overheating Early fail transmission issues I purchased the RS for two reasons: it's bonkers fun (noise, ride, seats, etc). Second, I must admit that the Honda dealer refused to let me test drive and demanded $5000 over sticker price (bite me). Still a Honda fan boy though; great cars. But in the end, I didn't need to drive anything else. The Ford is just fun (launch control and the idiotic drift mode...god bless the engineers for going full out on the fun factor). Also, the RS will likely maintain good resale value due to Ford pulling the plug on most "cars" in N. America. This is your only chance to have this car. In the end, neither car is lacking and is a great buy; no need to disrespect the other car. If I had more $, I'd definitely buy the Audi A4 RS. However, for the cost benefit, the RS is a hands down the winner for $/fun.

[@MotorsportCreative]

Alex M the RS 16-17 had incorrect HGs, but besides that it’s solid. Which year RS do you have?

[@alexm4515]

TheBeardedMan I purchased a 2017. I absolutely love this car. I can't imagine there will be too many cars like this in the near future (manual shift, noisy, petrol, bumpy, analog). This truly is the last of these cars as it appears electrical, computerized self driving SUVs are here to stay.

[@jamesmcclendon3932]

Alex: Type R trans problems and overheating! Is Honda taking care of that fast as Ford did? No!

[@Spart1269]

I wanted to get an RS3 but it was a little over my budget. Perhaps next year. I got the 2018 red Focus RS instead.

[@michaeldeadwyler4034]

Type r will still hold value like the nsx and s2000. A low mileage s2000 sells for as much as a used awd sti.

[@guigoe2010]

I own a FK8 and imao both are hot toys with pro's and con's and really tight price/perf ratios... In raw perf. RS takes the lead where in "engineered perf" Type R is ahead as it comes really close to the RS despite -30hp and FWD with outstanding speed in curves (without smoking rubbers). So to conclude if I had the money for both I would consider buy both...or rather go for the Audi RS3 sedan :)

[@SVTerminator04]

So you have to prod the rs to get it to go, but later in the video we're talking about how much more fun the power is in the rs. What a bs review!!

[@ardacebi3278]

Civic Type-R ❤️

[@chriscowan6630]

Excellent comparison......well done!

[@kurtrecknagle3327]

I like Honda, and I'm sure the Type R is great. But NEVER before this had I heard anyone claim that the RS is the most fun in a straight line.

[@sandorspalms]

The RS is Looking dated and with past and current reliability issues my money would go to the Type R. I also wish Honda would offer the Type R with AWD and I know it it would add weight and increase the price but I think it would be worth it.

[@Neuroguitarist]

It would be slower in corners though. Launch with Standing start ist the only advantage.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Type R except: it has no manual handbrake, no volume and tuning knobs...otherwise greatness!

[@winglessang31]

What a day & age. Non conventional sports cars are more common than conventional 2 door rwd. I’d still own either one if I could own 3 cars tomorrow.

[@technomancer4862]

The only advantage the rs has over the civic is on the straight line. Thats it

[@postalpancho]

RS couldn't even produce enough sales to be viable for continued production. With all the exploding engines it is far from a daily driver. Type R probably isn't very easy on the eyes but it is by far a better daily. I'm a Subaru guy but even I'll admit that Honda produced a great ride... it's under 35k too.... if you can find and honest dealer trying not to rip you off.

[@MotorsportCreative]

Francisco Muniz The RS was and always has been on put on a limited run 16-18, nothing to do with sales. Even if they blow up Ford would replace engines and ALL HGs. They’re both good and bad at different things.

[@zorro1rr]

The Honda is about 300lbs lighter and gets better mpg, plus VTec just kicked in yo. The wing looks ridiculous, but it looks like they will probably release a more subtle version. The RS has about 50 more hp/tq and has AWD. Hard choice, I would have to drive them both to decide.

[@hmninja9449]

As for the gearbox remark on the focus... its called be a man.. and when ur getn with it on the road it helps to have a shifter that telegraphs

[@ronniemorgan5143]

Type R not attractive? It’s style is top notch!! I love the attention I get w/mine.

[@john-martin]

the RS doesn’t overheat all over the place like the hot type-R, overly hot, overly heating.

[@errolbaldazo2620]

Would like to get a type R but I live in the north so I need awd. What I like about the type r is the rev matching. I could not perfect the heel toe rev matching so it would really help people who could not.

[@AlDim000]

The RS has an extremely smooth and easy to shift transmission. If you have to force the gears in, it either has a problem or (more probably) you're just using it wrong.

[@hangnarith]

AlDim000 few minute after cold start I sometimes experience hard shift from first to second ? Any tips ?

[@AlDim000]

Until the transmission warms up I would just shift less aggressively. What I've seen with the RS is that for normal driving it's best to shift it more casually at around 3-4k rpm and for hard acceleration it actually reacts best if you push it harder. With every car as long as you do what the transmission prefers, it will feel better and wear better.

[@tjprovo24]

I would say that the Golf R is actually the hotter hatch out of these three. Put a tune on all three cars, and the CTR and RS stand no chance against it.

[@kongxiong6005]

Wtf did you do to the Civic to test it it 45k...that's 10k above msrp. It already comes fully loaded at 35k

[@ericgoh99]

That's the profit margin.😅

[@Pasthim]

The CTR looks much bigger though. And it seriously needs wheel spacers, look at the body overhangs!

[@jetblack5115]

The civic has the best engine and will always be faster on the track...

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

50 more hp and torque and it still loses against fwd 300hp car lol. Not hating. Just speaking facts. Been thinking about trading in my type r for the rs for the awd, heated seats, and sunroof. Hm. 🤔🤣

[@voodoodiecast]

AlienNinjaPuppy well it smoke your honda ricer in straight line. The type r is better overall but not the fastest. Your first sentence doesn't make any sense.

[@LeJunny]

You must not know anything about 2 wheel drive or AWD if you're shocked that an AWD car with slightly better power can lose to a 2 wheel drive

[@douglaspuglas6888]

Isn't the rs3 2.5? Same class?

[@user540000]

this guy looks like he eats costco pizza and taco bell

[@brandonyu9602]

Hmm wonder which one will have a higher resale value

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Honda's way more than any Ford product.

[@David_Watts]

Not this particular Ford..it's special for a reason and won't drop as much most people think.

[@alphajed7700]

I love this Honda Civic Type-R!

[@MB-wq8cp]

I dont think this dude every driven in a track like ever...

[@zero00-100]

Focus RS hands down!

[@CrwdCntrl5.0]

Only thing that matters which one has a drift button?

[@white9th193]

The Type R transmission and feel is beautiful but I find the car ugly . And feel that it won’t ever grow on me . The RS on the other hand passes on looks but I’ve heard about motor problems ?

[@thestig4408]

How's that headgasket on the rs?

[@Cain353]

The Stig Better than your career atm.

[@melako85]

Still leaking..lol

[@Vosovogalsyncope]

Mines good almost 30k daily driven

[@TheLiamis]

The Stig lmfao Good point.

[@chrisnevergrowold330]

fixed long ago. AWD > FWD in ALL cases. Ugly ass type R with less hp/torque and its FWD, wtf were they thinking?

[@NicB-Creations]

I'll take the type-R, I prefer the better handling, comfort and larger trunk over the slightly better acceleration of the Focus.

[@djh5755]

This guy should get himself an Accord.

[@scootny21]

For what it's worth, Car and Driver doesn't agree with you on the transmission and clutch. Having driven the RS, neither do I. However, the Civic R won the comparison test in Car and Diver. Also the RS you tested is not a 2018 but a 2017. The 2018 has a black roof and mirrors, not to mention a limited slip front diff.

[@woooster17]

If I was 12, I might choose the Type R. This video cam down to personal opinion, his. We all like what we like.

[@Neuroguitarist]

So because you're 16, you choosed a green Mk1 Focus RS :-)

[@woooster17]

Neuroguitarist 'choosed' Hmm...well, I can only wish I was still 16! Opinions are like assholes, we all have one. Have a great day. :)

[@woooster17]

Neuroguitarist Ps. It’s a Mk2 RS....not a Mk1

[@MotorsportCreative]

waynester71 lol I can’t imagine an MK1 in green. Although the MKII looks amazing in green.

[@kidlat1968]

i cant believe an fr beat the all wheel drive on the verdict lol, type r might be cool looking but the rs is more on performance and utilization for having an all wheel drive.

[@ParagonGarage]

What do mean "it doesn't look good" you are crazy the Civic Type R looks freekin amazing, one of the best looking cars out there

[@iqbalizz7951]

fk8 type r has made for track use only, not for drag game.. in sportcar category such as golf, evo, mustang a45 amg ..they give more credit toward this car in track use..because honda fk8 type r made for track use only..

[@Spart1269]

I went with the 2018 RS. I live in Canada and ever since I’ve gone AWD with my previous car (STi), there is not way I’m going back to 2WD. It just sucks during winter. The 2018 got the front LSD and the sport cup 2s as standard. I gotta tell you it sticks to the road like crazy and if you want to rotate the car in a corner, slam that throttle. It sends power to both outside wheels and it just turns! And for the looks, they changes the mirrors, spoiler and roof to black plus I just installed my rally armour mud flaps. Looks Grrrrreat with that limited edition red paint job.

[@crewmorrow6180]

Will they ever make a type r automatic?

[@GetsumJ]

Our last dyno was 461bhp in our RS. (Lotta COBB). So let me just simplify. The RS is an AWD packaged SCCA racer out of the box. And with so many available after market mods available, It is a top competition in is class. If you want a track car, get the RS. However the Type R is purpose built as well. It has interior room that will fit 4 hot sweaty guys in speedos, with room in the hatch for a case of KY Jelly. If you are looking for a show stopper to take to the local PRIDE parade, You can't beat the Type R.

[@RUSTEM65]

Heated seats .? Deal breaker?

[@luckyyu2004]

and Focus gets the engine issue..

[@academiaengineering5136]

I recommend you to buy the type r because type r has all you want, type r has all the characteristics that the focus Ed don’t have

[@TheDealer6373]

Can it drive in bad weather where the roads are not maintained and government dissappears after a state of emergency is declared?

[@nc2988]

the biggest cons IMHO: VW Golf R is...a VW. I had a GTI, the worst quality car I ever owned. Wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy. Focus RS: turning radius is horrendous. Can you even navigate a parking garage in it? A U-turn? Civic Type R: tires wear out at 10k miles, and are very expensive to replace. Unless you downgrade to lesser/smaller tires and wheels, you're looking at 1200-1500 bucks every year for rubber.

[@kevinfolds4713]

Norm Cutter what year was your GTI? You're spot on about the Type R eating tires. The IS 300 Lexus was another tire eater.

[@musshwins412]

*AHAHAHAHAHAHA*

[@nc2988]

I bought a brand new red GTI in late 90's. I should have known it was a crap car, because when I picked it up at the dealer it already had problems with BOTH doors not closing properly. They "readjusted" the locks, made new keys, etc etc,..still, the doors never closed or locked without difficulty. Then the paint started chipping off here and there, flaking off week by week. My first trip out of town the electrical system went bonkers and I had to get towed to Reno from about 100 miles out. From then on it had electrical probs, the headlights dying on the highway, red lites on dash. This all happened in the FIRST YEAR. I was really happy when it got stolen! Stolen, because I gave up locking the damn doors! So, yeah,..I really dislike VW's until the end of time.

[@Joe_Friday]

Norm Cutter You're right about the stock tires wearing out fast. You can get some Michelin PS4S tires in the same exact size for a little less and they'll last for 30k miles. I actually recently ordered some slightly wider PS4S tires and they were $950 shipped. Should perform just as well and will last 30k miles.

[@jbs2ki]

Here we go STi

[@mikerules666]

It’s obvious which one is hotter. Since Ford is no longer making the Focus in North America starting in 2022, the Civic is the winner. The 2.0L turbo is amazing. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but it more than makes up for it in overall appeal. I own a 2018 Accord 2.0 Sport and can tell you that even though it’s slightly de-tuned for that car, it is still a rocket on 4 wheels.

[@jim6807]

RockGod333 lol because they’re going to stop selling the focus in NA. The Honda Civic is better. Logic. 🤦‍♂️

[@TheDealer6373]

Something is wrong with that tyranny an clutch if it's hard to use. Lightest clutch I have ever used. The stick goes into gear with no pressure and at low rpm. Look up people that had there focus shifter arm incorrectly adjusted and clutch pedal spring changed, air in lines.

[@LoveGod16]

That Focus has an aftermarket exhaust.

[@jcmendiola90]

FYI that RS is not a 2018.... it doesn't have the black roof and side mirror

[@jamesmcclendon3932]

The Type R is 300 lbs lighter, yet the RS get the same gas mileage!?! C'mon Honda, not only are you pushing less H.P but high gas mileage to be 300 lbs lighter!

[@matdddd]

James McClendon Honda has been known to underestimate their fuel economy. It’s very common for them to also underestimate their horse power figures. It’s just kind of a thing that Honda does.

[@qleap99]

$10,000 in "options" (or whatever) on the Type R?!? Ten. Thousand. Dollars. No thank you to that.

[@simeontrewenack101]

That RS has a short shifter installed hence the notchy gates.

[@edjohnson1788]

The RS featured in this blog is not the 2018 RS.