The Honda Civic Type R is a highly regarded car among enthusiasts, known for its high-performance capabilities at an affordable price. However, it’s no longer the most powerful front-wheel-drive (FWD) car on the market, with two other models surpassing its power output. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 and the Acura Integra Type S are the two cars that have eclipsed the Civic Type R’s power, with both producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 is a recent arrival in the automotive world, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the hot hatchback. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, revised tuning for the limited-slip differential, and adaptive shocks. The Edition 50 also comes with upgraded brakes and a 0.6-inch drop in ride height, making it a formidable performer on the track. While it doesn’t beat the Civic Type R’s lap time at the Nürburgring, it’s still an impressive car that boasts a unique design with red-accented wheels, black stripes, and Edition 50 logos.
The Acura Integra Type S, on the other hand, is a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to the Civic Type R. It produces the same amount of power as the Golf GTI Edition 50, but with a more subtle design that combines the look of an ordinary daily driver with a slightly sportier edge. The Integra Type S features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four VTEC engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and a suspension setup that’s less sporty than the Civic Type R but still nimble.
The Civic Type R, while no longer the most powerful FWD car, is still a highly popular and capable performer. It produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful hatchbacks on the market. The current generation of the Civic Type R features a sporty body with an aggressive character, although it doesn’t look as mean as the previous version. The car’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine is exclusively attached to a six-speed manual, and its dual-axis strut suspension helps mitigate torque steer.
Front-wheel drive is not commonly associated with high-performance motoring today, but it’s still a common drivetrain layout in production cars. FWD models have several advantages, including being cheaper to build, easier to drive, and more efficient powertrain packaging. They also tend to have better fuel economy and are less likely to sacrifice interior space and cargo space. However, as engines became more powerful, torque steer became a problem, leading to the growing popularity of all-wheel drive (AWD) in performance hatchbacks. Despite this, some performance cars, like the three models mentioned, still hold on to FWD, making a case for its continued relevance in the performance world.