VS
At a Glance
Power
104kW@6500
93kW@3600
Torque
174Nm@4300
300Nm@2000
Fuel
6.6L/100km
5.3L/100km
Towing
1000kg
1300kg
0-100 km/h
10.7s
10.3s
Engine
1798cc
1998cc
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Honda Civic delivers 104kW@6500 while the Toyota Corolla produces 93kW@3600. On fuel, the Civic returns 6.6L/100km while the Corolla uses 5.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R302 500 for the Civic and R264 000 for the Corolla. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda Civic1.8 I-VTEC Executive 4-DOOR AT 2012 - From R302 500
Toyota Corolla2.0 D-4d Exclusive 2007 - From R264 000
Performance
Power Output
104kW@6500
93kW@3600
Torque
174Nm@4300
300Nm@2000
0-100 kph
10.7s
10.3s
Top Speed
200km/h
200km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1798cc
1998cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6L/100km
5.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
55L
CO2 Emissions
157g/km
141g/km
Dimensions
Length
4545mm
4540mm
Width
-1750mm
1760mm
Height
1435mm
1470mm
Wheelbase
2675mm
2600mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
1220kg
-
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000kg
1300kg
Load Capacity
-
450kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
VSA
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
SMART KEY ENTRY
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Corolla
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.6L/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (5.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R264 000)
Higher towing capacity (1300kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.3ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Corolla?
The Civic uses 6.6L/100km and the Corolla uses 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or Corolla?
The Civic produces 104kW@6500 and 174Nm@4300 of torque while the Corolla delivers 93kW@3600 and 300Nm@2000 of torque. The Civic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and Corolla?
The Civic starts from R302 500 and the Corolla from R264 000. The Corolla is cheaper by R38 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Civic or Corolla?
The Civic has a braked towing capacity of 1000kg and the Corolla can tow 1300kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Civic or the Corolla?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider