How Does the 2019 Toyota Supra Compare to the Civic Type R?

If you feel a comparison review coming on, that's because KBB did the unthinkable and put the Supra against a hot hatch. They admit that a Mustang or Porsche Cayman would have been more fitting, but hot hatchbacks and sports cars sometimes appeal to the same crowd.

Obviously, the Supra is way more expensive, but this could end up biting it in the backside, since its rival may just appear better value. In exchange for the $37,230 base price, you're getting a 2-liter turbo making 306 horsepower for the front wheels to enjoy. Meanwhile, the Supra supposedly makes 336-hp from its BMW 3-liter turbo engine, though the power hap is much bigger than the official numbers would lead you to believe.

Likewise, the base price of about $51,000 doesn't reflect what you'll have to pay o get one right now, as dealers are marking it up, just like they did with the Civic about two years ago. But what you're really here to find out is which of these juicy spoiler-clad machines is more enjoyable to drive.

If you're looking for a manual gearbox, you're going to find it in the Supra. And in the drag race they did, the Supra crushed the Type R which is what you expect in a RWD vs FWD comparison.

Styling doesn't seem to favor either of them, as the Japanese cars are confusing to look at and are covered in an array of fake air intakes and vents. You could even say the Supra is the Civic Type R of sports cars or vice versa.

So what about the boring stuff? Well, both cars have stiff suspension letting you know they mean business. But the Supra isn't unbearable while the Civic remains one of the most practical hatchbacks with ample legroom and a trunk that rivals the C-Class wagon.