What To Know
- While the Civic’s turbocharged engine provides a quicker 0-60 mph time, the BRZ’s naturally aspirated engine offers a more linear power delivery and a higher redline, making it more engaging to drive.
- The Civic leans towards a more modern and aggressive look, while the BRZ embraces a more classic and sporty aesthetic.
- The Civic’s modern and aggressive styling might appeal to those seeking a more eye-catching and contemporary design, while the BRZ’s classic and sporty aesthetic might resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate a more timeless and refined look.
The Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ are two popular choices in the sporty compact car segment, each offering a unique blend of performance, style, and practicality. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ, helping you decide which car best suits your needs and preferences.
Performance: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ take vastly different approaches to performance. The Civic, with its turbocharged engine, prioritizes raw power and acceleration. The BRZ, on the other hand, focuses on handling and driver engagement, prioritizing a more rewarding driving experience.
Honda Civic:
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (180 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds (manual)
- Fuel Economy: 32 mpg combined (manual)
Subaru BRZ:
- Engine: 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder (228 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds (manual)
- Fuel Economy: 27 mpg combined (manual)
While the Civic’s turbocharged engine provides a quicker 0-60 mph time, the BRZ’s naturally aspirated engine offers a more linear power delivery and a higher redline, making it more engaging to drive. The BRZ also boasts a lower center of gravity and a more balanced weight distribution, resulting in superior handling and cornering abilities.
Design and Styling: A Matter of Taste
Both the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ offer distinct and appealing designs, catering to different aesthetics. The Civic leans towards a more modern and aggressive look, while the BRZ embraces a more classic and sporty aesthetic.
Honda Civic:
- Exterior: Sharp lines, aggressive front grille, sculpted bodywork
- Interior: Modern and minimalist design, comfortable seats, high-quality materials
Subaru BRZ:
- Exterior: Low-slung profile, sleek lines, sporty rear diffuser
- Interior: Driver-focused cockpit, sporty steering wheel, comfortable seats
Ultimately, the choice between the Civic and BRZ’s design comes down to personal preference. The Civic’s modern and aggressive styling might appeal to those seeking a more eye-catching and contemporary design, while the BRZ’s classic and sporty aesthetic might resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate a more timeless and refined look.
Features and Technology: Practicality vs Performance
The Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ offer different levels of features and technology, reflecting their distinct focuses. The Civic prioritizes practicality and convenience, while the BRZ prioritizes performance and driver engagement.
Honda Civic:
- Features: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda Sensing safety suite, spacious interior, multiple trim levels with various features
Subaru BRZ:
- Features: Limited features list, focus on driving dynamics, performance-oriented upgrades available, optional safety features
The Civic comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also offers a wider range of trim levels, allowing you to customize your experience with additional features and amenities. The BRZ, on the other hand, prioritizes driving performance and offers a more minimalist feature set.
Practicality and Versatility: A Different Playing Field
The Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ offer different levels of practicality and versatility. The Civic, with its larger size and more spacious interior, is a more practical choice for everyday driving and carrying passengers or cargo. The BRZ, with its smaller size and focus on performance, is less practical but offers a more engaging driving experience.
Honda Civic:
- Cargo Space: 14.8 cubic feet
- Passenger Space: Comfortable for five adults
- Versatility: Spacious interior, good for everyday driving and hauling cargo
Subaru BRZ:
- Cargo Space: 6.9 cubic feet
- Passenger Space: Tight for rear passengers
- Versatility: Limited cargo space, best for two passengers and weekend adventures
The Civic’s larger size and spacious interior make it a more practical choice for daily commutes, carrying passengers, and hauling cargo. The BRZ, with its smaller size and limited cargo space, is better suited for solo driving or short trips with a passenger.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ offer different price points, reflecting their different features and performance levels. The Civic is generally more affordable, while the BRZ commands a higher price tag due to its focus on performance and handling.
Honda Civic:
- Starting Price: Around $22,000
- Value: Affordable, good value for money, practical features
Subaru BRZ:
- Starting Price: Around $28,000
- Value: Premium driving experience, performance-focused, enthusiast-oriented
The Civic offers a better value proposition for those seeking a practical and affordable sporty compact. The BRZ, with its higher price tag, offers a more premium driving experience and a focus on performance.
The Verdict: Which Car Is Right for You?
The choice between the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ ultimately comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Honda Civic if:
- You need a practical and versatile car for everyday driving.
- You prioritize affordability and value for money.
- You want a car with a spacious interior and plenty of cargo space.
- You value a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if:
- You prioritize driving performance and handling.
- You enjoy a more engaging and rewarding driving experience.
- You’re willing to sacrifice some practicality for a more focused driving experience.
- You’re looking for a car with a classic and sporty aesthetic.
The Final Word: Finding Your Perfect Match
Ultimately, the best car for you is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Both the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ offer unique strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice for you will depend on your priorities. Take the time to test drive both cars and see which one resonates with you the most.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which car is better for daily driving?
A: The Honda Civic is a better choice for daily driving due to its spacious interior, comfortable seats, and practical features.
Q: Which car is better for performance driving?
A: The Subaru BRZ is better for performance driving due to its superior handling, more engaging engine, and focus on driver engagement.
Q: Which car is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Honda Civic is slightly more fuel-efficient, but both cars offer respectable fuel economy.
Q: Which car is better for carrying passengers?
A: The Honda Civic is better for carrying passengers due to its spacious backseat and comfortable seating arrangement.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ have a strong reputation for reliability.
