VS
At a Glance
Power
148kW@7800
100kW@6000
Torque
193Nm@5600
175Nm@4400
Fuel
9.3L/100km
-
Towing
1400kg
1300kg
0-100 km/h
6.6s
11.1s
Engine
1998cc
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 148kW@7800 while the Toyota Corolla produces 100kW@6000. On fuel, the Civic returns 9.3L/100km while the Corolla uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 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 Civic2.0 TYPE R 3-DOOR Championship EDIT 2009 - From R317 900
Toyota Corolla1.8 Exclusive AT 2009 - From R265 600
Performance
Power Output
148kW@7800
100kW@6000
Torque
193Nm@5600
175Nm@4400
0-100 kph
6.6s
11.1s
Top Speed
235km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998cc
1798cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
55L
CO2 Emissions
152g/km
173g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275mm
4540mm
Width
1785-2046mm
1760-1760mm
Height
1445mm
1470mm
Wheelbase
2700mm
2600mm
Ground Clearance
-
150mm
Kerb Weight
1322kg
-
Doors
3
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400kg
1300kg
Load Capacity
1352kg
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
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
-
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
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
Honda Civic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Civic
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Higher towing capacity (1400kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3L/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Lower starting price (R265 600)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Corolla?
The Civic uses 9.3L/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 148kW@7800 and 193Nm@5600 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 R317 900 and the Corolla from R265 600. The Corolla is cheaper by R52 300 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 1400kg 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