Toyota GR Corolla vs. Honda Civic Type-R: A U-Drag Race Showdown

The Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition and the Honda Civic Type-R are two of the most impressive hot hatches ever built. These high-performance vehicles have garnered a lot of attention and praise from car enthusiasts around the world. In a thrilling three-part U-drag race, these hot hatch kings go head-to-head to determine which one reigns supreme.

What is a U-drag race, you may ask? It’s a race that combines acceleration, braking, and cornering grip into one intense competition. The cars start from a static position, race a full quarter of a mile, and then have to turn around and race back to the start line. It’s the ultimate test of a car’s performance capabilities, and in this case, it’s testing the best of the best.

Let’s take a closer look at the contenders. The GR Corolla Morizo Edition is the pinnacle of the Corolla lineup. It boasts a powerful 300-hp three-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced AWD system that can continuously send up to 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels. On the other hand, the Honda Civic Type-R sits atop the Civic hierarchy and packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 315 hp. Like the Toyota, it also features a six-speed manual transmission but sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

In the first race, the GR Corolla gets off to a strong start, but the Civic’s additional power allows it to catch up and surpass the Corolla before reaching the finish line. The Honda maintains its lead throughout the race, showcasing its superior cornering abilities and crossing the start/finish line about a car length ahead of the Corolla.

The second race follows a similar pattern. The Toyota’s AWD system gives it an advantage off the line, but the Civic’s sheer power propels it past the Corolla in a straight line. The two cars finish the quarter-mile drag race with just a 0.1-second difference, 14.3 seconds for the Honda and 14.4 seconds for the Toyota.

When it comes to cornering, the Type-R once again takes the lead with a maximum g-force of 1.28, compared to the GR Corolla’s 1.22 g-force. Over the entire course, the Civic manages to create a half-second gap between itself and the Toyota, finishing in 38.5 seconds compared to the Corolla’s time of 39 seconds flat.

It’s worth noting that while AWD may provide an advantage in certain conditions, such as lower-traction surfaces, the results of this race demonstrate the Civic’s dominance in terms of power and cornering capabilities. Both cars offer exhilarating driving experiences and practicality, making them winners in their own right.

As pricing for both the Type-R and the GR Corolla seems to be cooling off, car enthusiasts have even more reason to celebrate. These high-performance hot hatches offer an incredible blend of fun and practicality, making them enticing options for those seeking an adrenaline rush on the road.

In conclusion, the U-drag race between the Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition and the Honda Civic Type-R showcased the impressive capabilities of these hot hatches. While the Corolla demonstrated its AWD prowess and strong start, it was ultimately outmatched by the Civic’s power and cornering abilities. Both cars are exceptional in their own right, offering thrilling driving experiences and practicality for enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the GR Corolla or the Type-R, there’s no denying that these hot hatches are at the top of their game.

Image Credit: Edmunds