Honda Civic Type R vs. Ford Focus RS: Which Hatch Is Hottest?

The Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and Chevy Camaro SS Convertible are as fierce as rivals get in the car world. We drive both for a week, to see which drop top is tops.

*EDIT* An error was made with the spec panel for the Civic Type R. Correct specs are below as well as in the full article.

SPECIFICATIONS:
2016 Ford Focus RS
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
Output: 350 Horsepower / 350 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive
Weight: 3,434Pounds
Fuel Economy: 19 City / 26 Highway / 22 Combined
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Volume: 23.8 / 44.8 Cubic Feet
Base Price: $41,995 (2018 + destination)
Price As Tested: $43,240 (est)

2018 Honda Civic Type R
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
Output: 306 Horsepower / 295 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive
Weight: 3,117 Pounds
Fuel Economy: 22 City / 28 Highway / 25 Combined
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Volume: 25.7/ 46.2 Cubic Feet
Base Price: $35,595
Price As Tested: $35,595

CREDITS:
Host: Brandon Turkus
Video Producer: James Bradbury

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[bonamin]

So, technically for those who don't get it, the Civic Type-R is more precisely engineered than evey other hatch (or similarly priced car) out there, and actually a lot faster too. It's more practical, handles extremely well, and typically as a Honda, has very good internal spaces, the reliability of a rock, and is easy to maintain.
It's VERY agressive and futuristic looks are considered extreme now, but so was the FN2 Type-R back then. The FN2 still looks fresh today, as this will in 10 years. That's classic Honda design philosophy.

So, unless you are handicapped and retarded and only race in a "straight line" the Civic Type-R will most likely get you in front of anything you put in its path.

If you are a quarter mile worrior though, DON'T buy a Type-R. It is not meant for you.

[DanW]

I've owned both, type R is better overall in my opinion

[davidwright]

This lad must be driving a different RS to what I’ve got

[shahulhusman]

I love Honda.. But bought the RS.. Awd in the northeast and I can't get over the looks

[drvl]

The Type R styling is definitely growing on me. Don't care if it has less Hp, the focus just looks like a regular econobox

[someguywithaford]

I believe he was a bit misleading with the Focus. The focus has incredible steering feel, paired with its IntelligentAWD. Now under light driving, the Civic will feel and be more agile than the Focus. But under hard driving/tracking, the Focus will out perform and out last the Civic with torque vectoring, which Ford bragged allows the Focus to get over 1G around a corner. And spreading power to all the tires vs the ones needed to go around a corner, the Focus will keep its grip longer instead of overusing its front tires. But, as a person who looks at things from a logical perspective, the Civic has its advantages. The RS is a gas guzzler, with a bigger and more powerful engine. The Civic will also probably live longer than the focus. Despite all of this though, I would have a very tough time choosing one over the other

[dontcare]

The Focus RS is one of the easiest manual transmissions. When I heard you said it was difficult I almost spit out was I was drinking. Smooth shifts, non-plastic feeling clutch. Pure driver's car.

[MADDLANDD]

Focus is only good in a straight line...

Right.

[ChiefKandiyohi]

I think both these cars are great, but being a Minnesotan makes the RS the obvious choice. Ain't nobody got time for FWD.

[azikkii]

Am I the only one who actually thinks the Type R is a good looking car? I like that it looks different and it has its' own quirks that will never be seen on any other car.

[telliesmith]

Never heard anyone say the focus was like a muscle car 😒

[paulosicne]

IDK why all the thumbs down. This is a great review and great camera views of the cars, unlike matt farah and others who only show boring shots of themselves and go pro front window shots. Keep up the good work man. New subscriber.

[iJudo]

I actually sold my RS and now have the Type R. You're correct on the creature comforts. I loved the heated seats and steering wheel, but I'm in CA so the Type R doesn't bother me. It also doesn't even have a trunk release button. It's bare bones. The ergonomics though for me is perfect. I couldn't get comfortable with the RS seat. The height was all wrong for me as well as the bolster. It made shifting difficult. Then the clutch in traffic just killed your leg. The Type R clutch is just right. Like the old Civic Si's I had. Easy to manage and light enough. I couldn't be happier with the switch. Being comfortable driving was what was missing in the RS for me. The Type R covered that easily in Sport or Comfort mode. Oh and lastly, the attention it gets is sometimes weird and fun at the same time. It's just not for everyone. I'm no young whipper snapper, but I love this thing.

For the folks saying 350Z, put the new 3.0t in that thing like the Q50S I just sold, then you'd have something. That motor would make that car the king of coupes.

[raw_pc]

If you can’t have good time in 90HP car then 350HP certainly won’t help you. Power is not everything. I would take the TypeR over RS any day.

[ianbradley]

I've got to agree. The RS is a great car if you want to stamp your foot on the accelerator when the light goes green. The Civic is better in every other category. And yes, even the looks. The RS is just another half circle trying to blend in with the other half circles.

[Alexmod]

The Focus RS is 2.3 Litre turbo not 2.0

[GaryStreet-uxzp]

I have a 2020 Type R FK8 in Rallye Red and its by far the best ever car i have had. put a smile on my face every time i get in it. Its a massive head turner holds the road like glue and blistering performance.

[emmadeeba]

Boom that civic is the best sports car ever built for the money, not only is it good day to day but when you get it on a track it’s astonishing!

[theriseagainstfan]

Never driven the type r.. but saying the RS has a difficult shifter and heavy clutch is a joke, it’s an extremely easy and satisfying manual to drive

[VAspeed]

Definitely would have to drive both to know which one I would perfer. Thought the RS was the best until the new Civic Type R came out. Now seems to be a toss-up.