VS
At a Glance
Power
104kW@6500
100kW@6000
Torque
174Nm@4300
175Nm@4400
Fuel
6.5L/100km
-
Towing
-
1300kg
0-100 km/h
11.3s
11.1s
Engine
1798cc
1798cc
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 100kW@6000. On fuel, the Civic returns 6.5L/100km while the Corolla uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R302 500 for the Civic and R265 600 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 5-DOOR AT 2012 - From R302 500
Toyota Corolla1.8 Exclusive AT 2009 - From R265 600
Performance
Power Output
104kW@6500
100kW@6000
Torque
174Nm@4300
175Nm@4400
0-100 kph
11.3s
11.1s
Top Speed
207km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1798cc
1798cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.9L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.73L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
55L
CO2 Emissions
155g/km
173g/km
Dimensions
Length
4300mm
4540mm
Width
-1770mm
1760-1760mm
Height
1440mm
1470mm
Wheelbase
2595mm
2600mm
Ground Clearance
-
150mm
Kerb Weight
1324kg
-
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
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
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
-
Bluetooth
-
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Corolla
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.5L/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Lower starting price (R265 600)
Higher towing capacity (1300kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.1ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Corolla?
The Civic uses 6.5L/100km and the Corolla uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 100kW@6000 and 175Nm@4400 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 R265 600. The Corolla is cheaper by R36 900 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 0kg 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