Thread: Toyota Corolla Vs Honda Civic-Engine And Transmission

Despite Toyota's claims that the Corolla Altis is an all-new car, the engine that powers this car is the same older generation 1.5-litre 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC mill codenamed 1ZZ-FE. This engine that used to be manufactured in North America is no longer in use and globally has been replaced by the next generation 2ZR-FE engine. In several countries including neighbouring Sri Lanka where the new Corolla Altis has also been launched, it is powered by the 2ZR-FE engine. So I am a bit stumped as to why Toyota resorted to using an older generation engine in India.

Nevertheless this engine is also highly capable, with around 132PS of max power that peaks at 6000rpm. The power ratings have increased as compared to the older generation Corolla thanks to efficient thermo dynamics and reconfiguring the ECU. With this minor tweaking the torque rating has also increased to 170Nm which is available between 4000rpm and 5000rpm, peaking at 4200rpm. The Civic on the other hand also makes the same amount of power albeit at a slightly higher 6300rpm. However torque is marginally higher at 172Nm also coming in at a higher 4300rpm.

The Corolla's 16-valve DOHC VVT-I assisted engine feels seamless and smooth at initial revs. However a bit of roughness creeps in once the rev needle crosses 6000rpm. However the build up of revs is accompanied by a nice low growl that adds some spice to the driving experience. Power delivery is instantaneous and the four speed automatic Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) unit is quick to shift up or down the gears depending on the throttle and brake inputs. This intelligent gearbox also studies driver throttle patterns and accordingly selects between sporty driving mode or more relaxed efficiency mode. If brakes are applied hard, the gearbox rapidly downshifts as well employs engine braking to further curb velocity. Alternately you can also use the shift lever as manual shifter to change gears.



Compared to this the Civic engine feels more sublime though when the throttle is fed sudden inputs it is quicker to respond and react. This 4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC with i-VTEC, is also smoother throughout the rev band. This engine also revs to a maximum 6700rpm unlike the Corolla which revs to just 6500rpm before up shifting. The Civic employs a 5-speed automatic gearbox with padd Ie sh i ft levers located behind the steering wheel to shift gears.

Both the Corolla's and Civic's gearboxes are quite exemplary in their performance, with flawless and refined execution. However the Civic with its paddle shift mechanism is a bit more fun to operate since one does not have to take hand off the steering wheel to shift gears like in the Corolla. That makes it a more of a driver's car than the Corolla Altis.