Is the 2020 Honda Civic Type R a BETTER performance car than a Subaru WRX STI Type RA? 

I have a type R so prefer R obviously. But STi also a great car. A true car enthusiast loves all cars and appreciates and respects everyone else's cars.

Honestly personal preference. I love my Type R, however I love the way Subaru's sound with an exhaust. Every car has it's own perks.

The RA marks the end of an era. The CTR is the gateway to Honda’s future. Nice job objectively reviewed both cars.

You guys have been pumping out some bangers, the gladiator, the skyline, and now this. Underrated channel.

The Honda is the better performer. If you get a lot of inclement weather where you live, the Subaru could be the better choice.

I'd pick the subaru, I know honda is more reliable but I cant resist the rumble of that boxer engine 💨

You can tell he loves the Type R! 2020 Type R is so fun!

I had a si then traded it in for a sti im so glad I got the sti instead of the type r it’s just a more traditional sports car and you can’t go wrong with the all wheel drive.

Came for the Honda Civic type r and stayed for the Honda Civic type r.

I like how they blacked-out the trim on the Type R. To my view it looks better and cleaner rather than just slap chrome trim on it.

Let us try deep corners, snow and turns. Let see how Honda can handle it. I still lovs my STI for life.

Love the Type R but nothing can beat the sound of an WRX STI with an aftermarket exhaust

The Subaru is old school in such a good way, love the mechanical feel.

I have an STI, but appreciate the Type Rs innovation! Always good to see the classic analogue cars in action.

Overall I like the Sti more, the rear of the civic type r seems over styled with too much going on.

Type R is latest model and STI is old school. Each car has advantage, but I live in Chocago. Chicago has very different weather, it seems like depends on where you live. I have 2018 STI and it fit on my needs on every weather condition requirements. If I live in dry and warm weather area, I might choose Tyle R but winter in Chicago is pretty bad with snow and ice. I will still choose STI over Type R as long as I live in Chicago.

I probably would have gone with the Honda if it wasn't so over-styled. The Type R looks like a plastic anime mech to me. I know a lot of it is functional, but I think they could have made the design a little less busy and still achieved the same aero benefits. End of the day for me, the STi is just looks more classic, sounds more classic, and has more old school mechanical functionality(DCCD, Hydraulic steering) that I love. That said, there's no arguing the the Honda is the more modern and efficient design, so if that's what you're into, that's awesome!

I have been trying to get a Type R for a while. Its crazy in 2021. Guy told me I would have to put a grand down just to reserve one when they get them in 2022. There are used Type R's around but they actually go up in value. Usually 40k or more.

My two favorite japanese cars from my two favorite manufactures? Couldn't have been happier to get this notification. Impossible to decide for me. Great video Joe! By the way, your Type RA is looking very clean! I also enjoy seeing you mix in your own cars in these videos!

Joe, thank you for this review. I have been waiting for this 😀

Love the comparison video! Type R looked so fast and it does look like they did their magic on that 2020 Type R 😅 Hey at the end of the day I would love to own both cars as well

Love the civic type r but I'd love to see an Acura Integra (rsx) type r. As I prefer a coupe.

that's what im talking about bro..i get excited when you compare STI win or loose..tnx 4 sharing again..✌

STi is quality , a true JDM car with an old school feel

Saving up for a Type-R as of now. But that Subaru looks sick. Nice vid! Very detailed and nice

Another great video Joe. I really enjoyed the comparison format. Keep up the great work. 👍

Type r is just a bargain its got the speed the grip the reliability looks are subjective and good thing about it is that its going to keep its price pretty well and thats why it is my pick .

Your review nailed it. I have an '18 Type R but always lusted after an STI, or Evo. Both are great, the chance to get a deal on a used Type R sealed it. That, plus my favorable experience with a '17 SI. Living in the desert, I don't need awd, whereas I do prefer lighter cars. But no wrong choices here. I have not driven an STI since the 2004-6 versions, while the 2018 WRX (non-STI) did not win me over. The STI pulls harder from a dig, but once you are moving at all, the Type R clearly takes over. Seats in the Type R are just better. My only knock on my CTR is the large turning circle compared to the Subie, and the lack of a real hand brake. Nitpicking. The Type R has been tons of fun, and works unbelievably well as my daily driver. The SI punched way above its class and price point, this is a major step up. I even like the looks better than the 2020- more horizontal lines bisecting the fake vents just makes it look busier to me, not better. And it is so stable at -ahem-'highway' speeds. Your dream garage descripion - spot on. I have driven the Focus RS, which has a unique handling and throttle feel. Also amazing. But I need my cars to not detonate their engines.

I have a 2020 Type R and I’m happy with my purchase. Almost a year of ownership and I’ve never regretted the decision. No hate to the STI’s though. I have a couple friends with them and I don’t knock on them at all. I feel like a true car enthusiast sees the pro and cons of every car. Like I hate pumped in exhaust audio on the R. Not really having full control of the modes like the Veloster N has. 20 wheels. Small gas tank. So the R is far from perfect like any car, but no regrets at all.

AWD makes the STi better for anyone living in a heavy winter area. No question, I'm a Vermonter and its not even a debate.

What a sweet review. The Subaru is dire for an update, but is such an awesome car. The Civic Type R in that blue is absolutely beautiful, and like you said has such crazy grip - especially for a FWD. Not this would ever happen, but it would be pretty crazy if Acura came out with the Integra - or whatever they want to call it - and had a Type R with SH-AWD based off the Type R Civic. We already know Acura is going to kill the ILX, so why not dream a little.

Race the WRX STI against the TYPE R on the Nurburgring...then I'll decide who's better

Great job, I'll take Subaru type ra any day.... have a great day 😎🇺🇸

For performance only - Type R hands down, but for looks probably subaru!

Go Honda !! Love the Type R look and style ! Performance from both are great !

Beautiful cars and a amazing video the best of both worlds!

Subaru WRX STI for me 🙌.

The STI RA all the way..🤩😍🤤

STI for me. Something about the EJ engine and the pedigree of WRC speaks to what I want in a sports sedan. But the Type R is no slouch either. 🤙🏼

I was making this same choice last year. Ended up going with the Type R mainly due to the better gas mileage (I put a ton of miles on my cars) but more importantly also because I didn’t know when the next Sti was going to come out. Really wanted to get a Sti (we have an Outback for family duties) but given the Sti was on the final year decided to pull the trigger on the Type R. Love that thing, it does everything well. Both legends in my book.

i think for the price both cars need a refresh inside i know you buy theses cars for perfomance but it looks dated !

I’m the owner of a 2019 type r and I must say this car is fun to drive! My only complaint is the horn. Haha! For such a beast of a car the horn seems out of place. The type r pulls hard! It just keeps pulling and handles great! It’s my daily driver and i believe Honda got it right with this car! Way to go Honda!

That’s my high school lovin it Raiti

Good video btw, but also interesting this was shot in my town lol

type r gets 8mpg combined mpg more than the sti. also i have seen 30 to 32mpg highway. auto high beams. lane departure ,adaptive cruiuse. LKAS cant beat it. just need winter tire set now. you forgot to mention honda log r software to be released soon.. id like you to drive a hondata type r 360hp 380tq

These are 2 amazing vehicles! WOW! What a great idea for a comparison. To be alive with cars with this level of performance, reliability, and practicality is a wonderful thing! Thanks for sharing. Just continuing to crank out some AMAZING content!

I’ll take the Shelby GT350 for the win.

I am Subaru fan I never loved the look of the new Generation of Civic

I got my 2019 sti, feel sexy when driving🥰🥰🥰 Enough power for me. Easy to drive. Love it

In December time I’m buying the type R god please blessed me

My personal preference, despite all the goodies the Type-R has, the STI has more of a driver focus feel and more connectivity with the car over the Type-R. I've never driven the Type-R yet, but with all the reviews I've seen on Raitis and other reviews, I must say I do feel tempted to go that route. I just still can't get passed that body style haha. In a way, it's growing on me. Thanks Joe and Raitis ride for another phenomenal review. You guys rock!!!

Nice Invicta time piece! I have the same model in my collection. It's great for daily wear. Curious as to how many Invicta pieces you have in your watch collection. Thanks for another good vid man.

I think drivetrain and sound should be the deciding factors. Do you need AWD and are you attached to the subie rumble? I still have no clue what I want Real question is will Raiti get one?

I’ve wanted an sti since the early 2000s when I was still in high school. I’m looking at finally getting one at 34 years old. A friend of mine got a type r and I have to say I was very impressed but that thing is not visually appealing at all to me. It’s an easy choice for me going with the sti, but just wanted to give some praise to the type r. Fun car.

The Honda engine revs sound like relaxing ocean waves.

Lol once Subaru drops the new Sti it will blow the civic so far off the road

Great video! the more I see the civic type r the more it grows on me. I'd have to stick to black though. Honda offers awd on other cars... wonder why it wasn't added to the civic..

Great content. That's why I subscribed. I like the STI specially because of its all wheel drive but it lacks in its interior design. Also has a slight more lag than the Type R. Give me some honda

I gotta say, that Boost Blue on the Honda Civic Type R is a beautiful color. In terms of ownership, I would need to buy 18 inch wheel rims and 18 inch all weather tires for the Type R as an everyday car. At the end of the day, I would not feel as comfortable in long term ownership in the Subaru WRX STi. The engine and transmission reliability is not there, the manual shift feel is not my style, and trunk is just not as useful a hatch.

You couldn’t go wrong with either of them. I’d pick the Honda if I had to choose

No comparison needed! As a car enthusiast, either one is a 🔥 ride! By the way i have a 2020 type r honda civic type r. And boy oh boy! ❤️😍 oh and it’s always fun to watch you doing reviews Raiti’s Rides

Type r sounds nice because they have exhaust sounds pumping to the speakers or something.

I’m an AWD kinda guy and even though it’s outdated the STi is my personal preference, I love the way it drives. I’ve driven the CTR it’s a beast in the FWD class, great car, I’m just AWD biased. You can’t go wrong with either 🤣🤣

Both cars r amazing

Absolutely awesome review!! I am currently deciding between the two!

Subaru bla bla bla desing Boring, Honda love it just love that smoking colour yoy can combine with that boost blue with a Candy Honda civic type R !!!

On paper the Type R is cheaper, then you hit the honda dealers and the type R is roughly the same price as the Type RA. smh

I'm a subie guy. I love your channel ! I just wish subaru did something a little different with athstetics for Type RA other than red stripe and wing.

I love Honda's but 2 things i dislike about the civic type R digital gauge cluster and electronic handbrake other than that its a very good car I see you in a type R soon i know you fell in love with it didn't you

Keep up the good content fam! Loving it 😍😍

I would probably buy the STI, but the CTR is the better performer.

If only the Type R had AWD with something like DCCD that would be great.

I'd take the STI over the Type R any day.

I have got both - 2016 STI fully stripped and roll caged running E85 racing car and 2019 Type R FK8. FK8 wins in terms of suitable for a daily driver and stunningly fast in the hills, however it is too easy to drive and ECU does a lot of work for you. I love STI for its pure mechanical feel and it is better (not definitely faster) from driver skill development perspective. Both cars have got overheating issues on track. I would say for a racing application, FK8 should be much more of a bang for the buck in terms of cost versus lap time ratio.

Just ask Max Verstaphen how good a Honda engine is. Amazing what f1 brings to road cars. Just wish I was younger than 50, I would definitely consider the Honda

Type R = Best New Performance Car Under 40K. Brought to you by badge # R-13555

The civic type r has more cabin engine noise when you floor it than that sti, Even though the civic type r stock exhaust isn’t that loud and that sti exhaust is louder than the type r, but still the type r stock exhaust sounds louder at higher revs than the sti exhaust

Exhaust noise is still impotent, for a car thats mechanically ace. thing that really puts me and family off is the CTR only seats 4 , why oh why not Honda just add 1 extra seatbelt in rear??! Adds massive convenience at minimum cost. It’s make or break for ppl who sometimes have to carry 5 ppl. what is there to lose by adding an extra seatbelt to rear.? Nothing, but everything to gain. l for one won’t choose one because of it, l often have 5 in car. Practicalities are essential for hot hatch. Like if feel the same

Loving the type r but wish they would make it in AWD, calm the look down a tad, and do more adult looking seats

I will keep saying it,the best versions of the Sti are JDM versions,obviously the US will be all over them as soon as they can import them legally.

Here's a question to ponder. Imagine if the Honda Type R came with an engine with 2.4 L displacement? That would be close to 370 BHP OEM. But as it stands I'll take the Subie.

-both overpriced looking turds I'll take base model civic over that monstrosity

WRX better looking blue

Any car that has decent horse power and doesn't have head gasket issues is way better performance car than subi. The only thing subi has going for them is awd and they look cooler than a lot of cars.

I sold my 2018 Civic Type R & got the 2020 Series White WRX STI! Love driving it :) Thanks Joe for that great review! I hope there is no 2nd gear grind on the new 2020 Type R’s; I had the 2nd gear ⚙️ grind BAD on my 2018 Championship White Type R, only had 9k!

I need Subaru body and style with type R engine 😅

The only good Honda is type R. Subaru wRX STI is one of the best rally car

Love these two for Tues... wait, today’s Monday. Oh well, I’d pick the Subie for the AWD. They’re pretty close though. Nice job Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

Since I'm from San Diego, I always appreciate and listen to your local iHeartRadio rock station because of my favorite song and to try some other radio stations outside California. Last night, I heard the radio commercial of both Wesley Chapel Toyota and Wesley Chapel Honda while I'm playing on my Xbox One. I loved that commercial. That reminds me of you and this makes me hungry for Twinkies and fall in love with your zonks!

Now this is the video we've been waiting for

For under $40k (MSRP LOL) there's no better car, IMO. As an owner, I'm obviously biased... slightly ;) but the Type R has the best bang for your buck. Both cars are masterpieces however that have amassed a huge following for obvious reasons.

Both are awesome but I'll take the Honda for realiability.

Both good cars, but not a Civic guy. Love my 2016 STI, I’ve never had an issue with it and it’s a blast to drive.

You should do a Veloster N vs STI review!

I have to zonk the review. No back seat or trunk review included.

I had a red CTR. Liked it but wasn’t made for everyday use with those 20inch track tires. Traded in and got a white 2020 Sti. Love the awd and that iconic Subie Rumble! That being said, I think it’s a preference. Both cars are great and can’t go wrong with either one.

Mr Raiti err I mean Joe! Hows the GT350R treating you man? Keep up the great vids

Hands down the Subi

Both cars are nice but I’m biased to like the STI more given that I own a WRX. When it comes to owning manuals, sound is a big concern of mine and the Type R is just too quiet. The STI sounds meaner, has AWD and heated seats, and a real handbrake to boot. I’ve actually been looking at Veloster N’s because they sound so good and have no rev hang.

yes