The EP3 Type R, which ran alongside the Mk4 model golf is no contest 0-60. The Civic is fastest simple. According to Parkers stats the Type R is the same 0-60 as the Mk4 R32. The Type R has 1.2litres less and is still N/A.
The problem as the hate says is that with no turbo, accelerating from moving isnt as great as there is less torque than the 3.2 R32 or the turbo GTI. Thats where it looses out.
As years have gone on, the civic has stayed standing still with the FN2 Type R getting no more power.
The GTI golf came on a bit with the Mk5/6 with more power unlike the civic.
Few Parkers stats
Mk4 1.8t - 0-60 - 8.2secs
mk4 1.8t Ani - 0-60 - 7.6secs
Mk R32 - 0-60 - 6.4secs
EP3 Type R - 0-60 - 6.4secs
All depends what you fancy really...
Ive had a mk3 gti..... An Ep3 Type R..... And i will probably come back to a GTI/R32.
Haters guna? Right?