2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R: Who Ya Got?
Say you have a 2018 Honda Civic Type R and a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R, both with around 300 horsepower and both equipped with six-speed manual transmissions. What would you do? If you’re like those of us at Cars.com, you take them to the drag strip and a racetrack to see which one performs better.
Related: StaR Performers: 2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
While on paper these cars are very similar, there are also some key differences. The Golf R is all-wheel drive, whereas the Civic Type R is front-wheel drive. The Type R is also nearly 200 pounds lighter than its German competitor. Choosing the Honda will also probably do less damage to your bank account assuming you can find a dealer selling one without a markup; as tested, the Type R was nearly $6,000 cheaper than the Golf R.
On to the performance testing: First, we took these two hot hatches to Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wis., for acceleration and braking tests. After that, we went to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Mich., where we brought driving instructor Hollie Heiser of CGI Motorsports to set our timed laps.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${ami_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
${ami_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R near you
Those tests will settle the performance aspect, but what about everyday livability and interior comfort? Don’t worry: We’ve covered those, as well, and we even got Hollie to weigh in on each car’s value-versus-performance proposition — plus which one she would choose as a daily driver she’d take to the track.
Check out our video above to find out all about these two hot hatches and how they compare.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
