Powertrain
Of course, there were no upgraded powertrains in this comparison, just each brand’s workhorse engine and the people’s choice automatic transmissions.
Hyundai equips their compact with a 1.8L four-cylinder with dual overhead cams and dual variable valve timing. Its output is rated at 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra GT GLS Auto weighs in at 1,281 kg (2,784 lb). Its power is entirely adequate for its weight, and the six-speed automatic is smooth and steady. Peak power is at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque at 4,700 rpm, but sharp throttle response and decent mid-range torque are adequate for almost any situation. At highway speeds, the Elantra GT hums along at 2,100 rpm at 100 km/h, and 2,500 at 120 with acceptably low levels of wind noise and tire drone.
The Honda Civic’s 1.8L inline-four offers up only one overhead cam, but its variable valve timing system is a Hollywood superstar and internet sensation called “VTEC just kicked in, yo!” That’s gotta’ be worth something… Anyhow, power is rated at 148 hp peaking at 6,500 rpm, and maximum torque of 128 lb-ft is only attainable at 4,300 rpm, and it weighs 1,267 kg. There is no question Honda knows how to build small displacement four-cylinders, but without a manual transmission to properly cane it, much of the enthusiasm is muted, although it still sings a touch more sweetly than your average commuter car powerplant. Honda has yet to make the switch to six gears in this vehicle, but its five gears seem to have the situation well in hand. The Civic transmission is completely automatic (no manual mode), and spins at slightly higher revs at highway speeds, 2,200 at 100 km/h and 2,700 at 120 yet still remains quiet for casual conversation levels.
On the road, neither was overwhelmingly superior, but we give the nod to the Elantra GT, which felt a bit stronger in passing maneuvers, offered more gears and a manual mode that allowed greater driver control even for the joy-dulling automatic.
  2013 Honda Civic & 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. Click image to enlarge |
Fuel Efficiency
Both vehicles came equipped with a “Save the Planet” button that dulls throttle response and induces early upshifts from the transmission. We used both as much as possible, occasionally opting out for a bit of merging power or extra motivation.
Transport Canada assessment procedures yield estimates of 7.1/5.0/6.2 L/100 km in city/highway/combined for the Honda Civic Touring, while the Elantra GT rates 7.6/5.3/6.6. The US EPA estimates the Civic automatic at 8.4/6.0/7.4 L/100 km (28/39/32 mpg) versus 8.7/6.4/7.8 L/100 km (27/37/30 mpg) for the Elantra GT.
Our observed fuel consumption for the Elantra GT was a respectable 8.3 L/100 km, but once again the Honda comes up aces with 7.9 L/100 km. Not a huge margin, but a wide enough gap under almost identical driving conditions and parallel to estimated ratings (props again to the EPA estimates), so it is fair to expect that the Civic should yield you slightly better real-world efficiency.
