VS
◆
At a Glance
Power
148kW@7800
102kW@5600
Torque
193Nm@5600
189Nm@4400
Fuel
9.3
7.3
Towing
1400
1300
0-100 km/h
6.6
—
Engine
1998
1987
Choosing between the HONDA CIVIC and the TOYOTA COROLLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HONDA CIVIC delivers 148kW@7800 while the TOYOTA COROLLA produces 102kW@5600. On fuel, the CIVIC returns 9.3 while the COROLLA uses 7.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the CIVIC and R264 700 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.
Performance
Power Output
148kW@7800
102kW@5600
Torque
193Nm@5600
189Nm@4400
0-100 kph
6.6
—
Top Speed
235
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998
1987
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3
7.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
55
CO2 Emissions
152
173
Dimensions
Length
4275
4545
Width
1785-2046
1760
Height
1445
1470
Wheelbase
2700
2600
Ground Clearance
—
150
Kerb Weight
1322
—
Doors
3
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400
1300
Load Capacity
1352
450
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
VSA
VSC
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
✓ 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
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000
100000
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
TOYOTA COROLLA
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
COROLLA
Value
COROLLA
Practicality
CIVIC
Pros & Cons
HONDA CIVIC
Higher towing capacity (1400)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Higher starting price
TOYOTA COROLLA
Better fuel economy (7.3)
Lower starting price (R264 700)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CIVIC or COROLLA?
The CIVIC uses 9.3 and the COROLLA uses 7.3 on the combined cycle. The COROLLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world 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 102kW@5600 and 189Nm@4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CIVIC and COROLLA?
The CIVIC starts from R317 900 and the COROLLA from R264 700. The COROLLA is cheaper by R53 200 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 1400 and the COROLLA can tow 1300. 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.