We know the 305-hp Honda Civic Type R is a fast car, but how does it stack up against one of Honda’s most fearsome two-wheeled racers? To find out, the guys at Auto Express took a Honda Civic Type R and a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP superbike to the track and put them head-to-head.
The Honda Civic Type R came equipped with its fire-breathing 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, Nürburgring-honed suspension and brakes, and 166-mph top speed. While the Fireblade’s 1.0-liter engine packs just 178 hp, it has a considerable weight advantage over the car, tipping the scales at just 463 lb without a rider.
To help make sure there’s no sand-bagging of the results, Honda sent along two of its top drivers. In the Honda Civic Type R is Honda touring car racer Matt Neal, while British superbike racer Dan Linfoot hops aboard the CBR1000RR. Neal is so impressed by the motorcycle’s performance that he asks for a 10-second head start, hoping that will be enough for his hot hatchback to outpace the bike around the U.K.’s Rockingham Motor Speedway.
Can the Honda Civic Type R stay ahead, or will the light and nimble CBR1000RR superbike catch up? Take a look at the video below to find out.
