Weird. In Australia the difference is $72k vs $92k (and more like $110k on road from a lab Audi stealership whereas the Honda is price guaranteed for $72k on road).
neither. gr86 or, if I really need a hatchback... gr yaris. edit. with the difference, I'd take some exotic holidays and at least one driving holiday in the alps or pyrinees. Shame about the rs engine.. as it is so characterful. edit 2. funny how we are still considering the ctr a hot hatch.. when its actual size is even bigger than the rs3 sedan.. being closer to 3 series than to a hatchback.
Coming from an RS3 owner, the civic is a great car but you can't compare the two. They are two different cars. The RS3 is a bully on the street. The civic is a cornering masterpiece. If I could I would own both. Great video 👍
Love the RS3... 👍🏼 And yeah, these aren't rivals in any meaningful way. The 5 cylinder Audi is a beast while the Type R is left to the boy racer types.
@@grovsey3656 Sure thing bud. It's a case of different strokes for different folks. There comes a point for some drivers where they begin to prefer a powerful stealth executive Q-Car over a more flashy, bewinged JDM 4-pot that may require you to wring it to get the most out of it. I appreciate your point about it being a more enthusiastic and driver focused machine, that it most certainly is, whereas the Audi is admittedly bulky. I speak for myself when I say that, at this point in my life, I'd much rather daily an RS3. 😎👍🏼 *EDIT:* In my defense, I have had a CRX and an MX-5 NA for quite a few years. After that I got myself a TT and just gotten 'older' ever since... 🤣
Your analogy between the Lotus Evora and the Civic is spot on. I drove an Evora for 9 years and traded it in for a Civic FK8 Type R because my kids became to big to fit in the back of the Evora. Nobody could understand my move but for me, in terms of driving feel, it was a logical step.
I've just taken delivery of a new Civic Type R....having also had a couple of the older versions previously. It is night and day a better and phenomenal car....an amazing all rounder, and I've owned an amazing bunch of cars in my time. Just annoys me people keep going on about the price.......EVERY new car is expensive these days, all due to rules and regulations....but at least the Type R pretty much just comes in one spec....with everything on it.....try spec'ing an RS3 or Golf R or M135i etc....and add all the extras you really want....and then you'll see what an actual bargain the Type R is!
@@geronimooo260 and Nope too! I had a Golf R….and needed lots of extras….and even as a manual it was a dull drive! But whatever floats ur boat…..and I’ve yet to see a motoring journalist who says the Golf R is a better car….although sure there’s one…out of thousands! 😂
@@geronimooo260 Interesting....just spec'd a Golf R, with everything the Type R has, and a couple of minor extras....and that comes in at £54,420......fair bit more than the £48k of the Type R! 😁🤷♂
Fantastic review, James. The only problem with the Type R is you can't buy one. Every dealer I've spoken to have a waiting list, and each dealer has a small allocation of about 3 cars per year at the moment, and you have no influence over the colour. So, for now, only the lucky few can even get hold of one. For the rest of us, we can just dream...
You are absolutely correct. Audi no longer supply new RS3 s in RHD form. Type Rs have always been like hens teeth, at an appropriate price and so it is all a bit hypothetical.
I would get the RS3, but my heart has always been with Honda. So ideally I would have both, but if I needed to choose, the RS3 in a heartbeat. It’s my next car 🙌🏽
Just parted with my remapped RS6 and now have a FL5 which is more at home with the B roads that i use. Doesn't sound as good or have the power the Audi had but then i never drove flat out everywhere just as i don't run everywhere. Late braking and cornering fast is scary fun whereas accelerating fast is safer fun both fun nonetheless.
I just bought a PFL 2016 RS3, replacing my 2013 manual BRZ I had since new. I know the era is different, but I tested against the i30 sedan n, the FK8 type R, Megan RS, current BRZ/86, and GR Corolla. I would’ve loved to have tested the FL5 Type R, but didn’t get to. For the money I paid, with 2 years factory Audi warranty, that 5 cylinder engine is so good, plus not a bad package overall. Honestly, I believe the Hyundai i30 sedan n handles better than the 2016 RS3. You can’t beat the manual gearbox in the type R either. We just have to buy what our heart desires sometimes.
Rs3 in Australia is 110k vs 72k for the Type R…so not even close to the same ballpark. Also no manual in the RS3. I am looking at replacing my GTI Clubsport and the Type R is the only thing I can find for under 100k that is worth the update. Great watch 👍
lol you’d take a Focus RS over an R? You’re a bad judge of driving character lol. 😂 And the RS3 is ok if you like boring automatic cars. Get rid of it before the warranty is up😂
He chose the car that "feels" better, not is better. He said he doesn't like the RALLY CAR based chassis (complains about the chassis but doesn't explain at all the history of why it's like that) that actually raised to the occasion when it came to being on the track. He'd rather have the fake noise, slow engine, cheap interior car that has a great transmission, and feels more darty. So a biased purist view point, especially the lotus mention being another indicator. Trouble is real people buy cars for different reasons and he could have just said that instead of leaving a douche bag comment.
Brilliant review and the one I've been waiting for someone to do! Super Inline 5 and AWD vs a totally dialed in chassis. A comparison for intellectuals, because you have to look deeper than the obvious. It boils down to which car offers the better "Giggle Value". In America, the price differential is further apart. The CTR's base price (excluding markups) is about $44,000 where as the RS3 equipped with the technology package is $65,000. That's a $21,000 price difference, and one has to decide if the few things the Audi does better is worth the difference, versus the fun each car delivers. For me (and I previously owned a 2013 TT RS), I can honestly say the CTR does a better job of proving its value, and I come to the same conclusion as you!
It’s definitely RS3 for me. They are literally the same $$ after markups on the CTR, which is insane. The RS3 is sexier looking, has a legendary 5cyl-T, sounds worlds better, and is AWD. With a tune, it’s easily in the 3-second range 0-60mph time, and would absolutely destroy the CTR, even when tuned, in a straight. Only thing the CTR would be better at is cornering, but that really only comes alive on a track, and that also doesn’t mean the RS3 can’t handle. In a canyon, a good driver in a RS3 could easily keep up with an average driver in a CTR. Yes, easily! So in the real world as a daily, where you can’t really excrete the CTR’s potential, the RS3 is the much better choice. It’s also a lot nicer inside too.
It’s funny you mention awd as a pro. For me, it’s a big turn off. RS3s are too easy to drive fast. I also think that the interior is a massive disappointment; it doesn’t look or feel as good as the previous gen. The engine is a great sounding engine but it isn’t as frantic as I’d want it; it’s a fairly lazy engine and that doesn’t really suit hot hatch character in my opinion.
@@483SGT I agree. Definitely benefits the CTR has over the RS3, and vice versa, but since both these cars are marketed as performance cars, for the money, the RS3 is the better car considering the CTR is not selling for its MSRP price.
In reality they aren’t that similarly priced though. You get everything for that 48k for the Honda. You’re spending we over 60k for a similar specced Audi from factory (which is currently unavailable) and 70k+ on the current market if you want one now.
@@relentlesspursuit6894 You like Honda better that's cool, but to say the RS3 is a tuned A3 shows you know absolutely nothing about performance cars!😄
@B58 the RS3 is a fast A3 - same platform, size, shape, interior etc, don't kud yourself, it's an A3 - the CTR is a fast version of a Honda Civic. Which one do you have?
One thing for certain, no EV will ever promote the emotion that both these cars create in terms of sound and involvement ........and isn't that what driving a hot hatch, or a small sports car, is all about?
RS3 will have maybe and 8% markup where as type R will be 20-30%. I’ll take the RS3 not just because of that but because of the balance between aggressive and sophisticated styling.
There was a dealership in California selling a Type R for $75K + ttl. I've seen Golf R's going for that as well. It's crazy how much enthusiast vehicles are going for these days. It really brings a new meaning to gotta pay to play.
@@Theonedjneo yeah and I assume it hurts the after-market as well. Much less enthusiasts coming into the scene. Ironically older vehicles also tend to retain value so it’s just expensive all around. It’s unfortunate that manufacturers really don’t want to pump up production.
@@Theonedjneo in Miami I had a dealer secure an order for a new WRX and when it arrived they marked up 8K. Waited all that for nothing. It just seemed like a rip off.
You should be legally crazy to pay the same money for a Type R instead of a RS3. Automatic transmision , 4 wheel drive , better interior quality and design and of course 2.5L turbo engine instead of a 2.0. Btw , i have a Civic X and that is my opinion. RS3 all day.
It feels a very honest review and highlights a couple of things for me. 1) How good the current Civic range is top to bottom , it is getting praise everywhere and 2) Pound for pound, the previous Type R seems to me a better pick over the new one. I also have to say, that RS3 is tempting, devilish tempting. First time I came across this channel. Subscribed 😊
I think the 3s gap applies to the old FK8. I was once looking for an official FL5 Nürburgring lap time, but couldnt find one - except an article where someone from Honda claimed that the FL5 would be a bit faster on the Ring than the FK8 (7:44), placing it theoretically on a similar level as the RS3 (7:41) (the FL5 was already faster than the FK8 in Suzuka). Considering the less power to weight ratio of the CTR, as well as having a manual gearbox, it is truly astonishing that both CTR and RS3 have similar lap times on the Ring underlining the handling capabilities of the CTR.
I think a better compare would be the fully loaded honda vs a fully loaded S3 or even a golf R. a fully loaded RS3 would have adaptive dampers, suspension, and the sport diff which really makes a difference and you would notice it when comparing against the honda.
Remind me why we're comparing apples to oranges? Audi RS3: $61,000 MSRP (roughly) 401HP 369 lb-ft Torque DSG-only 3.6sec 0-60MPH Honda CTR: $43,295 MSRP (roughly) 315HP 310 lb-ft Torque Manual-only 5.3sec 0-60MPH This is a silly comparison, people do not cross shop these cars. The Audi S3 or Golf R? Sure, but not the damn RS3 lol.
Imagine a British channel, on British roads using British prices........ the audacity. They're both pretty much the same price in the UK 🤦 47k to the rs3's 53k
@@slats1987 You may want to check your reading comprehension. Price is not the only difference listed. And the NA pricing is still valid considering you can't even order one in the UK right now. 😂 Next time, read the whole comment before making stupid remarks.
I am a TTRS owner and once you’re able to shift the weights off the front of the car the type R won’t be a problem in cornering or on straights. The Audi just takes more effort to avoid understeer it can’t be driven like a rear wheel drive that our reactions for cornering at higher speed are way more natural.
Mate, this is the new RS3, not the old one - which compares to the TTRS, which by the way I owned. I have the new RS3 and the way it handles is a revelation, so much better than the previous model and blows you last comment out of the water.
I was comparing my TTRS to the Tyre R/drivers that I have mate on track mostly not able to keep up with my TT. I was not saying that my TT handle better than the new RS3. So my comment is still very much relevant.
I think you’re missing the point here… they are on a completely differente league, you can add all the best and whistles you want to the RS3 and it will blow up the price… you just decided to compare a baseline model against the Civic… nice video, but there’s really no comparison here…
I have a 2022 RS3, and both cars aren't comparable. The Civic Type R is most probably the best on its class with a manual transmission along with a Golf R. But the RS3 is on a superior league.
@@CARmagazineTV these cars aren't comparable. I'm not saying the type R is a bad car, it's brilliant. You want to make a fair comparison, remove the RS3 and put a Golf R.
Both great cars, but theres only one drivers car here and that's the Civic. If you want off the line and straight line pace the Audi beats it. But with an automatic gearbox it will never have the same street cred
RS3 easily in my opinion. The fit and finish, the motor.. thats all I need. I'm not out here doing auto cross though, so if thats your bag - maybe the civic would be a better choice.
I like both cars but the RS3 is just so much faster, plus higher power potential modded. C&D Lightning Lap times bear that out. If you can actually find a Type R at retail it may be a better value but most are paying markups
Idk about "so much faster", stock, RS3 did 7:40 on Nur', and the civic (last gen, this one has proved to be faster on other tracks, not yet tested on nur), did 7:43... And as far as real road tests go, Nur is no1
Look up C&D Lightning Lap for both. Compare 0-60 and wheel hp...not even close. Much faster in real world street driving. I like manual transmissions but they are slow off the line
@@fzr1000981 "Real street driving" and talks about 0-60 (straight line bs), and C&D track, which is not only very straight-line favoring, but even then, there is a 3% difference in the lap time hahaha and that to you is "much faster"? I'm not saying one is better, they are different (and their price is very diferent irl), audi is better in a line, and the civic is better in corners, depends on what you like, to me, straight line is boring, but some may like it
@@fzr1000981 unless you are driving both cars back to back, 3% can't be felt. Also, that is in a very straight-line favoring track, in nur the difference is 0.6%, and that you can not tell me is noticable, that would be outright stupid. The more cornering there is on the track, the more the civic is catching up, on the Touge it would most likely be faster. I get that the RS3 has amazing straight line speed, but that's not all there is to it, and it simply isn't true that it's "so much faster", when talking about a 0.6% difference
In America the CTR MSRP is 45k and the RS3 starts around 62K. When I went FBO on my 21 CTR,the parts,labor and wheels added 12-15k. Even though it had a little over 400hp it was still slow off the line. The RS3 is a beast bone stock and can easily be tuned to cartoon fast levels of speed but what concerns me is Audi’s long reputation of problematic cars. Before ICE sports cars go away I just want to make sure that my choices spend more time on the road and not in the shop!
For the next review, we'll compare the Golf R to the 918 Spyder. All kidding aside, I don't think you can compare the 2 side by side. Nobody is trying to decide between CTR and the RS3. They are 2 completely different cars built to do completely different things for 2 completely different people. That stated; if I had to choose between those 2 cars, it would be the RS3 hands down.
Ignoring the price these cars are aimed at very different customers as a few other posters have also pointed out. RS3 for me; a true wolf in sheep's clothing with a grown-up driving experience.
Great to see a more mature design for the CTR. It’s been screaming for a move away from the cartoonesque Max Power look. But that price 😮 is almost unbelievable and difficult to justify in a Honda……whatever type it is.
The Golf 8 R is everything but numb, look it up (or try one). It’s not as track focused as a megane RS or the civic, but it’s not that far, and a better all rounder
@Geronimooo it's numb! Nobody wants an "allrounder" there's no such thing! You need multiple cars for various reasons. VW have lost there way with the mk8, its like they've run out of ideas now
@Stephen Pearson it's just dull! It's a 5 door automatic VW Golf, looks dull and isn't exciting to drive. It's heavy too, nearly 1600kg, you really feel that weight when driving it! Whilst it may serve a daily driver purpose, its no "drivers" car
At todays exchange rates converted from list prices cost USA £36k Japan £31K Australia (smaller market ) £40K what's the story Honda UK £47k to us ? no reason for this apart from sheer greed?
50k... When the EP3 CTR came out in 2001 they were 16k brand new. The average wage then was 18k. Now they are 50k but the average wage s 34k. Look how we get shafted.
In terms of looks, yes it is. FK8 looks like a teenagers attempt to put a body kit on their first ever car that was bought buy their parents for his 18th birthday.
@@CARmagazineTV Lucky you. In the US the Type R is 45k and the base RS3 is 61k, well equipped the RS3 is over 70k. A more natural rival here would the Golf R.
When I was Stage 2 tuned on my MK7 GTI S 6spd base model car, I was consistently hitting 4.5s 0-60mph times. And my GTI is also open diff, meaning I don’t have an LSD and only one front wheel is putting traction down. For the FL5 CTR to only get a mid-5s 0-60mph time, with having an LSD and just about as much power as a Stage 2 MK7 GTI puts out, I say that is utterly ridiculous. Too dang slow for it to cost as much as it does. It really needs either more power or AWD at that price. Handling is great, but hell, all you need to do is make some minor handling improvements on any other car nowadays for them to feel super lively around corners. We don’t need an expensive as hell CTR to enjoy corners. Yeah, the CTR might just get a better lap time, but who cares. Nobody is getting paid to do lap times in their stock CTR lol and the majority of the time, the car will be driven on the street. I would say over 99% of the time! So lap times are stupid to base your car purchase off of. A CTR would need another $20k+ to even compete with other cars in its class in professional racing anyways!!
Great down to earth comparison. Love my 24 type r it’s my all around favorite car to date and I’m coming out of a 22 M240i and I like my type r more and that says a lot when I loved my m240i.
Both great cars 💯, but the RS3 just has that different special feeling. Less flashy with oversized wings and here I am looks. Rs3 is a car you pull up to a classy restaurant and nobody classes you as “ boy racer” . And the new 8Y is crushing it around race tracks vs just straight line speed. Spec it with the semi slicks and you will be surprised. To each their own. We all see things differently which makes it fun.
This one is a base model without the adaptive suspension and it’s also been lowered, further compromising the ride. Stock adaptive suspension on these is fantastic.
Which car would I choose...well, I've been going around pointing out the Cayman price comparison, because I daily drive a 981CS, so for £50k, I'd pick a 981CS plus £20k change, although even at £50k I'd pick a 981 GTS honestly. Out of these, I'll take the...FK8 or FK2, or pre-OPF RS3. Actually I'd probably have a 308 GTi or i30N over those too, they're unquestionably worse, but much more fun at speeds you can actually drive them on roads. Technically I didn't pick out of these, it's the RS3 for the engine, the FL5 is probably more fun, but as I mentioned it's nowhere near the top of that list (based on reviews and my experience driving the FK8). Here's a thing though - the Type R hasn't been a good hot hatch since they stuck turbos on it, others are just far more fun, but I'd suggest it's not a hot hatch really now- it's a GT. For that, well, is anything better for driving to the 'Ring (or other less clichéd track), doing a few laps and driving hundreds of miles home? Perhaps the Civic is now best at that...still, I want fun and this ain't it. Just personal taste.
I currently have a 2021 type r. Full bolt on and custom tune. Test drove the 22 rs3. Omg at speeds less than 70 mph it is so much faster than the type r. Like insanely faster. Handling is very different than the type r, you need to really push the rs3 around a corner to have the car go extreme and tighten up suspension and steering weight. Which can be a tad annoying. Engine sounds insanely better. Rs3 much more sleeper, interior much better. Minus the absence of the manual the rs3 is better all around. Throw a tune on the rs3 and you are in super car territory. You can also drift the the new rs3, fun level very high.
So… which car would you choose?
Type R without hesitation
Weird. In Australia the difference is $72k vs $92k (and more like $110k on road from a lab Audi stealership whereas the Honda is price guaranteed for $72k on road).
neither. gr86 or, if I really need a hatchback... gr yaris.
edit. with the difference, I'd take some exotic holidays and at least one driving holiday in the alps or pyrinees. Shame about the rs engine.. as it is so characterful.
edit 2. funny how we are still considering the ctr a hot hatch.. when its actual size is even bigger than the rs3 sedan.. being closer to 3 series than to a hatchback.
Neither.
original EK9 CTR FTW ! 😁
Coming from an RS3 owner, the civic is a great car but you can't compare the two. They are two different cars. The RS3 is a bully on the street. The civic is a cornering masterpiece. If I could I would own both. Great video 👍
Love the RS3... 👍🏼
And yeah, these aren't rivals in any meaningful way.
The 5 cylinder Audi is a beast while the Type R is left to the boy racer types.
@Yusuf Ginnah 20 years ago maybe. RS3s are driven by boy racers. Type Rd are driven by enthusiasts and petrol heads.
A45 S, is both ;)
@@grovsey3656 Sure thing bud.
It's a case of different strokes for different folks.
There comes a point for some drivers where they begin to prefer a powerful stealth executive Q-Car over a more flashy, bewinged JDM 4-pot that may require you to wring it to get the most out of it.
I appreciate your point about it being a more enthusiastic and driver focused machine, that it most certainly is, whereas the Audi is admittedly bulky.
I speak for myself when I say that, at this point in my life, I'd much rather daily an RS3.
😎👍🏼
*EDIT:* In my defense, I have had a CRX and an MX-5 NA for quite a few years.
After that I got myself a TT and just gotten 'older' ever since...
🤣
Agreed! 👍🏼
Your analogy between the Lotus Evora and the Civic is spot on.
I drove an Evora for 9 years and traded it in for a Civic FK8 Type R because my kids became to big to fit in the back of the Evora.
Nobody could understand my move but for me, in terms of driving feel, it was a logical step.
Interesting feedback thx
I've been looking to get a great driver's car that can double as a family car. Thanks for the feedback!
@@domiboyz This is probably the best driver's car that doubles as a family car you can buy.
I wish I had this problem
A do it all performance car.
On road, there is a 30 thousand dollar price difference between the two in Australia. Nobody is cross shopping these two down here.
We get thoroughly ripped off for Euro cars here
What’s the price on each one?
@@franko8572 80ish for Honda 130ish for Audi
@@adriandejong8647 Sheeeesh! You mf’s are getting scammed on both!
@@franko8572 on the road.
Civic $72600 driveaway.
RS3 with options on the road 102-107k
Australian dollars.
I've just taken delivery of a new Civic Type R....having also had a couple of the older versions previously. It is night and day a better and phenomenal car....an amazing all rounder, and I've owned an amazing bunch of cars in my time. Just annoys me people keep going on about the price.......EVERY new car is expensive these days, all due to rules and regulations....but at least the Type R pretty much just comes in one spec....with everything on it.....try spec'ing an RS3 or Golf R or M135i etc....and add all the extras you really want....and then you'll see what an actual bargain the Type R is!
Nope, I have a golf R and it does have everything standard !
@@geronimooo260 and Nope too! I had a Golf R….and needed lots of extras….and even as a manual it was a dull drive! But whatever floats ur boat…..and I’ve yet to see a motoring journalist who says the Golf R is a better car….although sure there’s one…out of thousands! 😂
@@julianpmg you are always going to look like a muppet driving a type R though to everybody out there except other type R fanboys :)
@@orbytl2799
@@geronimooo260 Interesting....just spec'd a Golf R, with everything the Type R has, and a couple of minor extras....and that comes in at £54,420......fair bit more than the £48k of the Type R! 😁🤷♂
Fantastic review, James. The only problem with the Type R is you can't buy one. Every dealer I've spoken to have a waiting list, and each dealer has a small allocation of about 3 cars per year at the moment, and you have no influence over the colour. So, for now, only the lucky few can even get hold of one. For the rest of us, we can just dream...
Thanks. And you’re right about the Type R, shame they’re not making more :(
You are absolutely correct. Audi no longer supply new RS3 s in RHD form. Type Rs have always been like hens teeth, at an appropriate price and so it is all a bit hypothetical.
They’ve made circa 40k, it’s just such a pain for them to seek them in Europe we hardly got any. Real shame.
If you are from UK you can still get them? I had 2 Honda Dealers in the UK offer me one for list price last week. Just use Carwow.
@David Hayes in Australia it's RH drive. Rs3 is on order. What are you going on about!?!?!
6 speed manual with a really good linkage. That wins the day.
Manual gearboxes, are just soooo 80's!
@@juststuff5216 That's the point 😂
The best manual gearbox ever made, in fact.
@@juststuff5216 People like you would never understand the fun of driving a good manual. My former S2000 also had an awesome manual box.
@@ytsux9259 Porsche has just entered the chat...
I would get the RS3, but my heart has always been with Honda. So ideally I would have both, but if I needed to choose, the RS3 in a heartbeat. It’s my next car 🙌🏽
Just parted with my remapped RS6 and now have a FL5 which is more at home with the B roads that i use. Doesn't sound as good or have the power the Audi had but then i never drove flat out everywhere just as i don't run everywhere. Late braking and cornering fast is scary fun whereas accelerating fast is safer fun both fun nonetheless.
Amazing review! So well laid out, regardless if you are a fan of either car!
Btw I would definitely choose a Type R
❤️
Great review. Really weighing the pros and cons and the Civic looks amazing in that blue.
Thank you
It looks good really good in black as well 👍
@@CARmagazineTV "COMpared with the Honder"
As someone who has owned a lot of cars, the most memorable ones were always the ones that had special engines.
I saved the video to watch later. I already know im choosing the Type R, regardless
I just bought a PFL 2016 RS3, replacing my 2013 manual BRZ I had since new. I know the era is different, but I tested against the i30 sedan n, the FK8 type R, Megan RS, current BRZ/86, and GR Corolla. I would’ve loved to have tested the FL5 Type R, but didn’t get to. For the money I paid, with 2 years factory Audi warranty, that 5 cylinder engine is so good, plus not a bad package overall. Honestly, I believe the Hyundai i30 sedan n handles better than the 2016 RS3. You can’t beat the manual gearbox in the type R either. We just have to buy what our heart desires sometimes.
Rs3 in Australia is 110k vs 72k for the Type R…so not even close to the same ballpark. Also no manual in the RS3. I am looking at replacing my GTI Clubsport and the Type R is the only thing I can find for under 100k that is worth the update. Great watch 👍
Hyundai i30 N
@@operationgetthugs232 would rather walk
😂😂@@jimmy-the-bear
I’ve had two Civic Type Rs, wouldn’t have another. I’ve also had two Focus RSs. Both better than type Rs. Now have an Audi RS3. Would never go back!
lol you’d take a Focus RS over an R? You’re a bad judge of driving character lol. 😂 And the RS3 is ok if you like boring automatic cars. Get rid of it before the warranty is up😂
Why is this a debate? Look at Nurburgring lap times and you'll see who wins between the two.
Trouble is real people don’t buy a car just because it is faster around a track…
He chose the car that "feels" better, not is better. He said he doesn't like the RALLY CAR based chassis (complains about the chassis but doesn't explain at all the history of why it's like that) that actually raised to the occasion when it came to being on the track. He'd rather have the fake noise, slow engine, cheap interior car that has a great transmission, and feels more darty. So a biased purist view point, especially the lotus mention being another indicator. Trouble is real people buy cars for different reasons and he could have just said that instead of leaving a douche bag comment.
@@CARmagazineTVwrong.
Honda all day long. I think it'll hold its value better, too. Reliability is a given, too, a great car.
Nah the interior in the civic looks more premium than this audi.
A civic with the 5 pot from the Audi (ideally with out the OPF filters!) would be epic!
...or the Rs3 with the chassis and transmission of the civic!
Brilliant review and the one I've been waiting for someone to do! Super Inline 5 and AWD vs a totally dialed in chassis. A comparison for intellectuals, because you have to look deeper than the obvious. It boils down to which car offers the better "Giggle Value". In America, the price differential is further apart. The CTR's base price (excluding markups) is about $44,000 where as the RS3 equipped with the technology package is $65,000. That's a $21,000 price difference, and one has to decide if the few things the Audi does better is worth the difference, versus the fun each car delivers. For me (and I previously owned a 2013 TT RS), I can honestly say the CTR does a better job of proving its value, and I come to the same conclusion as you!
Thank you!
What a review. And what a car. The Type r is one of a kind.
Thanks!
RS3 is literally one of a kind as well, and is literally half of a Lamborghini engine fitted with a giant turbo! It's bonkers lol
I got my boost blue FL5 a week ago, absolute refinement. I'm in love
How did y'all get your hands on one? I'm in the US and have no clue how people are finding them here in Texas.
@@isaiahexile very lucky. my friend works at the dealer and cut me in front lol
It’s definitely RS3 for me. They are literally the same $$ after markups on the CTR, which is insane. The RS3 is sexier looking, has a legendary 5cyl-T, sounds worlds better, and is AWD. With a tune, it’s easily in the 3-second range 0-60mph time, and would absolutely destroy the CTR, even when tuned, in a straight.
Only thing the CTR would be better at is cornering, but that really only comes alive on a track, and that also doesn’t mean the RS3 can’t handle. In a canyon, a good driver in a RS3 could easily keep up with an average driver in a CTR. Yes, easily! So in the real world as a daily, where you can’t really excrete the CTR’s potential, the RS3 is the much better choice. It’s also a lot nicer inside too.
There's benefits to both. CTR is more spacious, better mpg, more reliable, and a manual
There's more to a car than just numbers, less powerful cars can be infinitely better to drive .
It’s funny you mention awd as a pro. For me, it’s a big turn off. RS3s are too easy to drive fast. I also think that the interior is a massive disappointment; it doesn’t look or feel as good as the previous gen. The engine is a great sounding engine but it isn’t as frantic as I’d want it; it’s a fairly lazy engine and that doesn’t really suit hot hatch character in my opinion.
If I'm not mistaken it's already 3.3 seconds stock. With a tune it's sub 3.
@@483SGT I agree. Definitely benefits the CTR has over the RS3, and vice versa, but since both these cars are marketed as performance cars, for the money, the RS3 is the better car considering the CTR is not selling for its MSRP price.
In reality they aren’t that similarly priced though. You get everything for that 48k for the Honda. You’re spending we over 60k for a similar specced Audi from factory (which is currently unavailable) and 70k+ on the current market if you want one now.
Agree, the RS3 in reality is 60k+ and thar much money for a tuned Audi A3 is ridiculous
@@relentlesspursuit6894 You like Honda better that's cool, but to say the RS3 is a tuned A3 shows you know absolutely nothing about performance cars!😄
@B58 the RS3 is a fast A3 - same platform, size, shape, interior etc, don't kud yourself, it's an A3 - the CTR is a fast version of a Honda Civic.
Which one do you have?
@@relentlesspursuit6894 Don't own an Audi!
@Relentless Pursuit How is it a "tuned" A3? It's not even the same motor lol.
No comparison RS3 every single day of the week full stop.
100 % agree 👍
One of the best VWs ever
Truth
Not on the same league of car pretty unfair comparison
I’ll take the ctr all day since I actually track my cars.
One thing for certain, no EV will ever promote the emotion that both these cars create in terms of sound and involvement ........and isn't that what driving a hot hatch, or a small sports car, is all about?
two totally different cars. Audi more daily all round luxury fast. Type R is more track focused car. RS3 way more power
RS3 will have maybe and 8% markup where as type R will be 20-30%. I’ll take the RS3 not just because of that but because of the balance between aggressive and sophisticated styling.
There was a dealership in California selling a Type R for $75K + ttl. I've seen Golf R's going for that as well. It's crazy how much enthusiast vehicles are going for these days. It really brings a new meaning to gotta pay to play.
@@Theonedjneo yeah and I assume it hurts the after-market as well. Much less enthusiasts coming into the scene. Ironically older vehicles also tend to retain value so it’s just expensive all around. It’s unfortunate that manufacturers really don’t want to pump up production.
@@Theonedjneo in Miami I had a dealer secure an order for a new WRX and when it arrived they marked up 8K. Waited all that for nothing. It just seemed like a rip off.
Illegal to have markup on a factory order
@@slats1987 Miami sucks
RS3 is a whole league above the CTR
Great comparison review, but why are you calling the RS3 in the video a hot hatch? 🤷♂️
Cause of rev hang is the throttle control being motorized instead of a metal string connected to the pedal
that civic looks great in that blue
You should be legally crazy to pay the same money for a Type R instead of a RS3. Automatic transmision , 4 wheel drive , better interior quality and design and of course 2.5L turbo engine instead of a 2.0.
Btw , i have a Civic X and that is my opinion. RS3 all day.
It feels a very honest review and highlights a couple of things for me. 1) How good the current Civic range is top to bottom , it is getting praise everywhere and 2) Pound for pound, the previous Type R seems to me a better pick over the new one. I also have to say, that RS3 is tempting, devilish tempting.
First time I came across this channel. Subscribed 😊
Thank you. Correct on the FK8, pound for pound it’s hard to argue.
I think you made mistake comparing these two cars.. even if S3 vs CTR i still choosing S3
👀
@@CARmagazineTV Yep same, matter of fact, I already did, and the rs3 is waiting to be built. You can have an opinion, and it can also be wrong.
Audi goes round Nurburgring a good 3 seconds quicker than civic. But for what you get in Honda for price is pretty decent.
In no world is 50k for a Honda Civic "decent"!
I think the 3s gap applies to the old FK8. I was once looking for an official FL5 Nürburgring lap time, but couldnt find one - except an article where someone from Honda claimed that the FL5 would be a bit faster on the Ring than the FK8 (7:44), placing it theoretically on a similar level as the RS3 (7:41) (the FL5 was already faster than the FK8 in Suzuka). Considering the less power to weight ratio of the CTR, as well as having a manual gearbox, it is truly astonishing that both CTR and RS3 have similar lap times on the Ring underlining the handling capabilities of the CTR.
@@omegapsi847 on the same layout the RS3 did 7:35.5 so it's definitely more than 3 seconds.
I think a better compare would be the fully loaded honda vs a fully loaded S3 or even a golf R. a fully loaded RS3 would have adaptive dampers, suspension, and the sport diff which really makes a difference and you would notice it when comparing against the honda.
Both cars had all options.
rs3 .. without question, this isnt even a comparison in my opinion.. unless you are just a JDM fan there isnt a reason to get the type r over the rs3
Reliability and resale value is much higher on the Honda
RS3 would probably be totalled in 10 years but the civic R would still be running
@@ramk2443 lol not sure where you pulled any of that rubbish from 😂😂😂
Agreed. Ppl are too crazy about JDM. I think RS3 is a way better option for daily drive as well as on track.
Honda everytime 💯... When you work with Audi and German brands daily you understand how rubbish they actually are 🙄
Remind me why we're comparing apples to oranges?
Audi RS3:
$61,000 MSRP (roughly)
401HP
369 lb-ft Torque
DSG-only
3.6sec 0-60MPH
Honda CTR:
$43,295 MSRP (roughly)
315HP
310 lb-ft Torque
Manual-only
5.3sec 0-60MPH
This is a silly comparison, people do not cross shop these cars. The Audi S3 or Golf R? Sure, but not the damn RS3 lol.
In the UK the prices of both cars are very similar 👍
Imagine a British channel, on British roads using British prices........ the audacity.
They're both pretty much the same price in the UK 🤦 47k to the rs3's 53k
@@slats1987 You may want to check your reading comprehension. Price is not the only difference listed. And the NA pricing is still valid considering you can't even order one in the UK right now. 😂
Next time, read the whole comment before making stupid remarks.
I am a TTRS owner and once you’re able to shift the weights off the front of the car the type R won’t be a problem in cornering or on straights. The Audi just takes more effort to avoid understeer it can’t be driven like a rear wheel drive that our reactions for cornering at higher speed are way more natural.
Mate, this is the new RS3, not the old one - which compares to the TTRS, which by the way I owned. I have the new RS3 and the way it handles is a revelation, so much better than the previous model and blows you last comment out of the water.
I was comparing my TTRS to the Tyre R/drivers that I have mate on track mostly not able to keep up with my TT. I was not saying that my TT handle better than the new RS3. So my comment is still very much relevant.
Very good review! The conclusions about the cars are on point.
Think a better comparison would have been the mk8 gti clubsport. Similar power and both fwd
The GTi has no chance in hell in any department. The CTR is already the best driver's car compared to all VWs ever made.
I think you’re missing the point here… they are on a completely differente league, you can add all the best and whistles you want to the RS3 and it will blow up the price… you just decided to compare a baseline model against the Civic… nice video, but there’s really no comparison here…
Rs3 anyday
I have a 2022 RS3, and both cars aren't comparable. The Civic Type R is most probably the best on its class with a manual transmission along with a Golf R. But the RS3 is on a superior league.
Totally unbiased, of course 😉
@@CARmagazineTV these cars aren't comparable. I'm not saying the type R is a bad car, it's brilliant. You want to make a fair comparison, remove the RS3 and put a Golf R.
@@CARmagazineTVcivic fun boy 😂😂
Definitely not a fair comparison TBH
How can you call these $50k if you literally cant buy them without an insane dealer markup?
Paying MSRP for my ordered RS3!
Given that this video is from the UK and markup is illegal on factory orders...... Its not an issue. Its £ too not $.
And don t forget that the audi sound like half a Lambo. And it is just amazing believe me even in this "softer version"... both are great cars btw.
RS3 is not a £50k car
Both great cars, but theres only one drivers car here and that's the Civic. If you want off the line and straight line pace the Audi beats it. But with an automatic gearbox it will never have the same street cred
That audi is a sedan, not hot hatch.
RS3 easily in my opinion. The fit and finish, the motor.. thats all I need. I'm not out here doing auto cross though, so if thats your bag - maybe the civic would be a better choice.
I like both cars but the RS3 is just so much faster, plus higher power potential modded. C&D Lightning Lap times bear that out. If you can actually find a Type R at retail it may be a better value but most are paying markups
Idk about "so much faster", stock, RS3 did 7:40 on Nur', and the civic (last gen, this one has proved to be faster on other tracks, not yet tested on nur), did 7:43... And as far as real road tests go, Nur is no1
Look up C&D Lightning Lap for both. Compare 0-60 and wheel hp...not even close. Much faster in real world street driving. I like manual transmissions but they are slow off the line
@@fzr1000981 "Real street driving" and talks about 0-60 (straight line bs), and C&D track, which is not only very straight-line favoring, but even then, there is a 3% difference in the lap time hahaha and that to you is "much faster"? I'm not saying one is better, they are different (and their price is very diferent irl), audi is better in a line, and the civic is better in corners, depends on what you like, to me, straight line is boring, but some may like it
2:52 vs 2:58 on Lightning Lap, that's a massive difference, and yes 0-60 matters for the street. RS3 is mid 3s
@@fzr1000981 unless you are driving both cars back to back, 3% can't be felt. Also, that is in a very straight-line favoring track, in nur the difference is 0.6%, and that you can not tell me is noticable, that would be outright stupid. The more cornering there is on the track, the more the civic is catching up, on the Touge it would most likely be faster. I get that the RS3 has amazing straight line speed, but that's not all there is to it, and it simply isn't true that it's "so much faster", when talking about a 0.6% difference
In America the CTR MSRP is 45k and the RS3 starts around 62K. When I went FBO on my 21 CTR,the parts,labor and wheels added 12-15k. Even though it had a little over 400hp it was still slow off the line. The RS3 is a beast bone stock and can easily be tuned to cartoon fast levels of speed but what concerns me is Audi’s long reputation of problematic cars. Before ICE sports cars go away I just want to make sure that my choices spend more time on the road and not in the shop!
I'd pick the RS3 just for the 5 banger.
Rear spoiler looks like an after market add on. No bueno
RS3 everyday purely for the 5 cylinder glorious noise.....
The first time you end up disappointed spinning only one front wheel while the other does nothing (LSD my @ss), you'd wish you've bought the quattro.
For the next review, we'll compare the Golf R to the 918 Spyder. All kidding aside, I don't think you can compare the 2 side by side. Nobody is trying to decide between CTR and the RS3. They are 2 completely different cars built to do completely different things for 2 completely different people. That stated; if I had to choose between those 2 cars, it would be the RS3 hands down.
RS3. No question.
But the CTR is the superior driver's car by a long mile. It's the best driver's car compared to all VWs ever made, in fact.
@@ytsux9259😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Ignoring the price these cars are aimed at very different customers as a few other posters have also pointed out.
RS3 for me; a true wolf in sheep's clothing with a grown-up driving experience.
Great to see a more mature design for the CTR. It’s been screaming for a move away from the cartoonesque Max Power look. But that price 😮 is almost unbelievable and difficult to justify in a Honda……whatever type it is.
In 5 years you’ll see this car resell price doubled the original price
I have an Audi RS5. Grossly overpriced and unreliable!!!!
@@ahkiii_ in your dreams maybe a limited end of run version, no ones paying £100k for a standard Civic Type R without any uniqueness
This channel gives me Chris Harris top gear vibes. Too notch editing and presentation I must say. Well done 👍🏽
Thank you!
Wow! The RS3 Audi costs some $15k more than the Type R in America, and that's with no options on the RS3.
If you love driving and want to grin, get the honda. If you need a capable commuter car that's a bit numb, get the golf.
The Golf 8 R is everything but numb, look it up (or try one). It’s not as track focused as a megane RS or the civic, but it’s not that far, and a better all rounder
I take it you’ve drove both cars to come up with that opinion
@Geronimooo it's numb! Nobody wants an "allrounder" there's no such thing! You need multiple cars for various reasons. VW have lost there way with the mk8, its like they've run out of ideas now
@@relentlesspursuit6894 please explain what makes it numb? Again I take it you’ve owned one?
@Stephen Pearson it's just dull! It's a 5 door automatic VW Golf, looks dull and isn't exciting to drive. It's heavy too, nearly 1600kg, you really feel that weight when driving it! Whilst it may serve a daily driver purpose, its no "drivers" car
None of those is hot hatch... One is super hatch and one is hyper hatch.
At todays exchange rates converted from list prices cost USA £36k Japan £31K Australia (smaller market ) £40K what's the story Honda UK £47k to us ? no reason for this apart from sheer greed?
It’s a ball ache for Honda to sell them in Europe due to emission targets, so they supply significantly less and charge more.
TAX - always get stitched up in the UK
As a honda fanatic,. I called out the biggest BS as soon as he had picked the type r over the audi… tsk
Cuz i would pick the audi in a heartbeat
Wish they had made the TypeR 5 seater, and I would have pushed my budget
Thinking about the CTR, it's basically the modern day Accord Type R!
You can keep your Honda as I pass you in my RS3
Rs3 is king
50k... When the EP3 CTR came out in 2001 they were 16k brand new. The average wage then was 18k. Now they are 50k but the average wage s 34k. Look how we get shafted.
I think the facelifted A45S would fit well into this comparison too
FL5 not £12K better than FK8.
In terms of looks, yes it is. FK8 looks like a teenagers attempt to put a body kit on their first ever car that was bought buy their parents for his 18th birthday.
RS3 all day. dont even have to think about this one.
RS 3 all the way. A gentleman with muscles.
From my part of the world, the RS3 is approx. $50,000 AUD more than the Civic Type R.
The lucky country
@@Zsword92 Same in New Zealand..
I am not sure how these competitors though. The price difference between them is massive!
In the UK the price of each car is around £50k.
@@CARmagazineTV Lucky you. In the US the Type R is 45k and the base RS3 is 61k, well equipped the RS3 is over 70k. A more natural rival here would the Golf R.
The Civic will be reliable.. That guarantees a big win...
I'm seeing people boosting the engines of RS3s to about 800 hp, and smoking Lambos.
RS 3 every day of the week🖤
Stock internals are good for 900+hp apparantly
As a last gen RS3 owner, I'd pick the manual. 😊
When I was Stage 2 tuned on my MK7 GTI S 6spd base model car, I was consistently hitting 4.5s 0-60mph times. And my GTI is also open diff, meaning I don’t have an LSD and only one front wheel is putting traction down. For the FL5 CTR to only get a mid-5s 0-60mph time, with having an LSD and just about as much power as a Stage 2 MK7 GTI puts out, I say that is utterly ridiculous. Too dang slow for it to cost as much as it does. It really needs either more power or AWD at that price. Handling is great, but hell, all you need to do is make some minor handling improvements on any other car nowadays for them to feel super lively around corners. We don’t need an expensive as hell CTR to enjoy corners. Yeah, the CTR might just get a better lap time, but who cares. Nobody is getting paid to do lap times in their stock CTR lol and the majority of the time, the car will be driven on the street. I would say over 99% of the time! So lap times are stupid to base your car purchase off of. A CTR would need another $20k+ to even compete with other cars in its class in professional racing anyways!!
Great down to earth comparison.
Love my 24 type r it’s my all around favorite car to date and I’m coming out of a 22 M240i and I like my type r more and that says a lot when I loved my m240i.
Honda looks huge surprisingly. Civic needs AWD.... For us modders, more power in FWD is no joy.
Both great cars 💯, but the RS3 just has that different special feeling. Less flashy with oversized wings and here I am looks. Rs3 is a car you pull up to a classy restaurant and nobody classes you as “ boy racer” . And the new 8Y is crushing it around race tracks vs just straight line speed. Spec it with the semi slicks and you will be surprised. To each their own. We all see things differently which makes it fun.
Believe me. In person it looks bada%s especially with some flashy colors like green.
You know it's something strong right from the distance.
Damn I wish the RS3 was only $4k more than the type R here in the states. It would be an absolute steal.
Reviewers have said chassis on the Audi is brilliant because no matter how bumpy the road wheels are always in contact and gripping
This one is a base model without the adaptive suspension and it’s also been lowered, further compromising the ride. Stock adaptive suspension on these is fantastic.
Correction, this car has adaptive dampers and has not been lowered or modified from the factory.
He didn't put the suspension in Comfort. I own the new RS3, ride is excellent on bumpy roads if you use the right Drive Mode.
Correction- the FK8 has an aluminium bonnet as well.
Forget the rs3 and buy the Supra gr. It beats the ctr in every way and every track
Brilliant video guys 😊
Thank you!
I have driven the new Tyre R and I would never sell my 2018 Audi TTRS for new type R
It's because your an intelligent person that realizes the 5 pot is worth it alone lol!
U can’t compare Audi to Honda. Do the Honda Civic Type R vs VW Golf r
Which car would I choose...well, I've been going around pointing out the Cayman price comparison, because I daily drive a 981CS, so for £50k, I'd pick a 981CS plus £20k change, although even at £50k I'd pick a 981 GTS honestly. Out of these, I'll take the...FK8 or FK2, or pre-OPF RS3. Actually I'd probably have a 308 GTi or i30N over those too, they're unquestionably worse, but much more fun at speeds you can actually drive them on roads. Technically I didn't pick out of these, it's the RS3 for the engine, the FL5 is probably more fun, but as I mentioned it's nowhere near the top of that list (based on reviews and my experience driving the FK8).
Here's a thing though - the Type R hasn't been a good hot hatch since they stuck turbos on it, others are just far more fun, but I'd suggest it's not a hot hatch really now- it's a GT. For that, well, is anything better for driving to the 'Ring (or other less clichéd track), doing a few laps and driving hundreds of miles home? Perhaps the Civic is now best at that...still, I want fun and this ain't it. Just personal taste.
RS3 all day everyday 👌
Looking at the 2 side by side at the end of your vid, i cant take my eyes off the honda, looks ace
Both great cars but I’d take the R because of the manual.
I currently have a 2021 type r. Full bolt on and custom tune. Test drove the 22 rs3. Omg at speeds less than 70 mph it is so much faster than the type r. Like insanely faster. Handling is very different than the type r, you need to really push the rs3 around a corner to have the car go extreme and tighten up suspension and steering weight. Which can be a tad annoying. Engine sounds insanely better. Rs3 much more sleeper, interior much better. Minus the absence of the manual the rs3 is better all around. Throw a tune on the rs3 and you are in super car territory. You can also drift the the new rs3, fun level very high.
If money is not a factor, 718 GT4/Spyder is the best manual by far.
I think you are wrong about the engine. It is a major factor in why I love Honda's.
Type R gets my vote