When I first decided to dive into the world of performance cars, the choice between the 2022 Honda Civic Si and the Toyota GR86 was a bit overwhelming. Both cars had their unique appeals, and the decision was going to come down to an exhilarating day of testing them both out in a drag and roll race scenario.
The 2022 Honda Civic Si had been on my radar for a while. The sixth-generation Civic Si, built on the latest iteration of Honda’s compact car, promised a blend of sporty performance and daily drivability. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which made it a formidable competitor in the compact sport sedan segment. The Civic Si was known for its sharp handling, responsive steering, and a well-tuned suspension system. The car’s sleek design and aggressive styling only added to its allure. When I got behind the wheel, the initial impression was a mix of excitement and anticipation. The cockpit was driver-focused, with supportive seats and a minimalist dashboard that made me feel connected to the car. The 6-speed manual transmission felt precise, and I could already tell that the Civic Si was going to be a joy to drive.
On the other hand, the Toyota GR86 had its own set of charms. This rear-wheel-drive sports coupe was a descendant of the legendary Toyota 86 and had been refined for a more engaging driving experience. Under the hood was a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that churned out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The GR86 was all about driving purity, with a focus on delivering an exhilarating ride rather than just raw power. The car’s low stance, lightweight design, and rear-wheel-drive setup promised a thrilling driving experience. When I slipped into the GR86’s driver seat, the first thing I noticed was how low and snug it felt, making me feel directly in touch with the road. The manual transmission was a joy to operate, with a short shifter that made gear changes a pleasure. The balance and agility of the GR86 were immediately apparent, and I could sense that it was going to offer a different kind of thrill compared to the Civic Si.
As the day of the races approached, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had set up a drag race and a roll race to fully explore what each car had to offer. The drag race would test outright acceleration and straight-line performance, while the roll race would evaluate how well each car could maintain speed and accelerate from a rolling start.
The drag race was first on the agenda. We lined up at the starting line, and the tension was palpable. With a flash of green lights, I launched the Civic Si off the line. The turbocharged engine roared to life, and I could feel the front wheels squirm slightly as they gripped the asphalt. The Civic Si surged forward with impressive acceleration, and the 6-speed manual transmission allowed me to shift through the gears smoothly. The Civic Si felt incredibly composed and stable, making it easy to put down the power and maintain momentum. When we crossed the finish line, the Civic Si had put up a strong performance, but I knew the GR86 was just about to show its mettle.
Next up was the GR86. As we lined up for the drag race, I could feel a different kind of excitement in the air. The GR86’s rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight design promised a unique experience. As the lights turned green, I launched the GR86 with enthusiasm. The rear wheels spun momentarily before gripping the tarmac and propelling the car forward. The GR86 felt incredibly agile and responsive, and its engine delivered a distinctive growl that added to the drama. Despite its lighter weight and rear-drive configuration, the GR86 kept pace with the Civic Si and even managed to edge it out slightly in the final stretch. The raw, unfiltered driving experience of the GR86 was undeniable, and it had proven itself to be a worthy competitor.
With the drag race concluded, it was time for the roll race. This would test how well each car could accelerate from a higher speed and maintain its momentum. We started from a rolling speed of 40 mph, and I could already tell that this would be a different kind of challenge.
The Civic Si was up first. As we accelerated, the turbocharged engine pulled strongly, and the car felt very responsive. The power delivery was smooth and linear, and the Civic Si maintained its composure as we pushed it harder. The car’s handling was impressive, and it felt stable and planted even as speeds increased. The Civic Si managed to hold its own and put up a solid performance in the roll race.
The GR86 took its turn next. As we accelerated from the same rolling speed, the GR86’s rear-wheel-drive dynamics came into play. The car felt light and agile, and the power delivery from the flat-four engine was immediate and exhilarating. The GR86’s handling was sharp, and it felt like it was more than ready to take on the challenge. As we reached higher speeds, the GR86 continued to impress with its stability and acceleration. It was clear that the GR86 had a unique advantage in the roll race, with its rear-wheel-drive setup giving it a slight edge in maintaining traction and balance.
In the end, both cars had shown their strengths and provided a memorable driving experience. The Civic Si excelled in its blend of power, handling, and everyday usability, while the GR86 delivered a more raw and engaging driving experience with its rear-wheel-drive layout and agile handling. Each car had its own character, and choosing between them ultimately came down to personal preference and driving style. For me, it was clear that both the Civic Si and the GR86 were remarkable machines in their own right, each offering a unique take on what makes a performance car truly special.