Japan vs South Korea — 2015 vs 2017
| Civic Type R FK2 | i30 N Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 289 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,996 cc | 1,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 168 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 13.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,047 lbs | 3,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,340 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $38,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2015 Honda Civic Type R FK2 brings higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and South Korea automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 2015 Honda Civic Type R FK2 versus 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 2015 Honda Civic Type R FK2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 306 hp compared to 280 hp, a 26-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda Civic Type R uses a Inline-4 DOHC VTEC Turbocharged displacing 1,996 cc, while the Hyundai i30 N relies on a Inline-4 Turbo DOHC 16V with 1,998 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 5.4 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Honda Civic Type R FK2 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.