BATTLE OF THE VTEC – 2020 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R VS 2002 EP3 CIVIC TYPE R

This is a battle that every Honda fan would love to do, it's the 2020 Honda Civic Type R vs a 2002 EP3 Civic Type R. How VTEC glorious!

The VTEC engines from Honda are legendary for their performance and reliability, and they've been around for decades. It's doubtful, though, that many people out there know it was first introduced in Honda's CBR400 motorcycle way back in 1983.

These high-revving motors have a trick up their sleeve because they have optimised valve timings for both low and high RPM use. Basically, they have something called a locking multi-part rocker arm and two profiles, one for fuel-efficient low RPM and another for maximum power at high revs. The vehicle's ECU controls this rocker arm and engages the relevant profile for the conditions the engine finds itself in.

This brings us to the stars of today's show. The first is the car we've all seen flying around the Nürburgring, in the hunt for the title of fastest FWD hot hatch. The other, an icon of its time, and an original VW Golf-bating hot hatch.

They're both Honda Civics, but the 2002 EP3 Honda Civic Type R is a world away from its offspring, the 2020 Honda Civic Type R. But, how big is the gap and what difference does 18-years make?

Fortunately, while following strict COVID-19 social distancing rules, the chaps at Throttle House have got the pair together for a family battle. Both Civics have four cylinders, and both offer front-wheel-drive thrills, but the test will be to see whether the massive premium the 2020 Honda Civic Type R commands is worth it. Ultimately, does this car carry its lineage with pride, and does the 2002 EP3 Honda Civic Type R still have what it takes to get one's heart racing all these years later?

To find out, press play on the video below, and watch the 2020 Honda Civic Type R battle the 2012 EP3 Honda Civic Type R to see if they both deserve their title of legend.

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