A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Civic Type R starts ZAR 1524800 cheaperCivic Type R from ZAR 1,021,600 · GR Supra from ZAR 1,524,800
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Engine Power
315
285
Torque
420
500
Engine Size
1996
2998
Claimed Mileage
12
12.0
Ground Clearance
130
117
Boot Space
410
290
Airbags
6
9
Kerb Weight
1430
1545
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Civic Type R
69
/ 100
+3
pts
#2
GR Supra
66
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Civic Type R and GR Supra are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Civic Type R
+3 pts
Safety
GR Supra
+2 pts
Practicality
Civic Type R
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
GR Supra
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
GR Supra
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Civic Type R
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
GR Supra
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Ground Clearance
130
117
Wheelbase
2735
2470
Length
4595
4380
Width
1890
1865
Height
1405
1294
Kerb Weight
1430
1545
Gross Vehicle Weight
1850
1870
Seating Capacity
4
2
Boot Space
410
290
Towing Capacity
0
Not Available
Turning Radius
5.7
6.3
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Front Track Width
1550
1617
Rear Track Width
1540
1607
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Engine
2.0L Turbo Petrol
3.0L Turbo Petrol Inline-6
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged VTEC
Inline 6 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
1996
2998
Cylinders
4
6
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
12.0:1
Power
315
285
Torque
420
500
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection Turbocharged
Turbocharger
High-Performance Single Turbo
Single Turbo
Top Speed
272
250
0-100 km/h
5.4
4.3
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
92.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Valves per Cylinder
Available
4
Power @ RPM
150
5000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
1800 rpm
Engine Position
Available
Front Longitudinal
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
Drive Type
4x2
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Mechanical LSD
Active Differential
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Single Plate Diaphragm
Single Plate Diaphragm
Final Drive Ratio
3.909:1
3.909:1
Transmission Type
Manual
Manual
Transfer Case
Available
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Available
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Claimed Mileage
12
12.0
City Mileage
8
8
Highway Mileage
11
13
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
52
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Available
Not Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
CO2 Emissions
190
195
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Unleaded 95 RON
Noise Level
Available
72
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Airbags
6
9
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Performance Tuned
Standard
Traction Control
Performance Tuned
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Performance
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Alarm System
Available
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Drive Modes
Comfort Sport Plus R Individual
Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Seat Material
Alcantara and Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual Sport
Electric Driver
Heated Seats
Front
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Red Performance Lighting
Standard
Rear AC Vents
Standard
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Console Armrest
Cup Holders
4
4
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
Not Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Rear Armrest
Available
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Dual-zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Intercooler
Air-to-Air
Available
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Available
Gear Shift Type
Short Throw Shifter
Available
Rev Matching
Automatic Rev Matching
Available
Launch Control
Not Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Available
Seat Type
Racing Bucket Seats
Available
Rear Seat Split
60:40
Available
Performance Data Logger
Standard
Available
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Aero Kit
Type R Aero Package
Available
Rear Wing
Large Performance Wing
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Standard
Available
Steering Response
Performance Tuned
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.30
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity
500
500
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12 Bose Performance
12
Navigation System
Built-in
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Performance Controls
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Standard
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED Adaptive
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Lightweight Alloy
19-inch Forged Alloy
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Roof Rails
Available
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
Not Available
Body Cladding
Available
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Available
Active Rear Spoiler
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Tyre Size
265/30 R19
255/35 R19 Front, 275/35 R19 Rear
Wheel Type
Lightweight Alloy
Forged Alloy
Front Brake Type
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Tyre Type
Performance Tyres
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
300
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Front Suspension
Adaptive Dual Axis Strut
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Reinforced Monocoque
Monocoque
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Available
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
High
Approx R7,000
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Battery Type
AGM
Available
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
Optional
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
Real-world City Mileage Min
7
11
Real-world City Mileage Max
9
14
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
10
8
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
12
10
Owner Review Count
8
3
Spec
Civic Type R
GR Supra
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Approach Angle
25
25
Departure Angle
23
23
Wading Depth
600
600
Terrain Modes
Available
Available
Locking Differential
Available
Available
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Honda Civic Type R
wins with 69 pts
vs 66 pts for GR Supra
In structured scoring, Civic Type R emerges as the stronger overall package. However, GR Supra may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Civic Type R edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Civic Type R 9 vs GR Supra 6. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Civic Type R 18, GR Supra 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Civic Type R 12, GR Supra 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Civic Type R 10, GR Supra 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Civic Type R 20, GR Supra 20. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Civic Type R edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Civic Type R scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Civic Type R and GR Supra in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Civic Type R scores 20 vs 20.
Efficiency: Civic Type R scores 9 vs 6.
Safety: Civic Type R scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: Civic Type R scores 10 vs 8.
Ownership: Civic Type R scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Civic Type R
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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