2013 scion frs vs 2013 honda civic si

After the Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 burned through most of last month’s fuel budget, I decided to spend some time in a few more sensible and less-thirsty sports cars.

Result?

Yours truly did some 2,000 kilometres at the wheel of the Honda Civic Si, Scion FR-S and Hyundai Veloster Turbo. In a way, these cars are all the same. They all cost $26,000. They all have 200 horsepower. They’re all sporty.

However, to drive and live with, they’re very different from one another. This means, among other things, that you should probably test drive all three if you’re considering any one of the above.

Here are some notes and highlights from my test of each machine.

Honda Civic Si

Good: The VTEC engine is sweet, loud and powerful. There's good mid-range power unlike the last-generation model. The Honda Civic Si has a great shifter -- super light and easy to change gears quickly. In all, the Honda is very usable thanks to relatively generous rear seats, a good-size trunk and lots of storage inside.

Bad: A plain-looking and plastic-y interior is the Si’s biggest weakness. It also boasts the lowest-quality feel of the three. The electronic throttle calibration is infuriating in traffic, holding revs, lagging and lurching. Also, there are no heated or leather seats.

Observed Mileage: 8.1L/100km

Pick This One If: You want a long-lived, proven nameplate in a sports car -- as well as one that’s everyday friendly and fun.

Other Notes: VTEC gauge is a neat-o touch. The Honda Civic Si offers a decent stereo and the best stock tires in the group.

2013 scion frs vs 2013 honda civic si
Photo: Justin Pritchard

Scion FR-S

Good: Rear-drive dynamics in the Scion FR-S draw out the simple, raw satisfaction that comes from operating a pure sports car. The shifter and clutch combo is meaty, holds lots of power, and has plenty of bite. The Scion FR-S is thrilling to put through its paces and relatively comfortable on most highways. It also sports the best shifter and steering wheel in the group and the styling draws crowds.

Bad: The Scion FR-S has a small trunk opening, and entry/exit can be tight for bigger folks. The FR-S is also missing a sunroof, covered storage console and an armrest. The infotainment screen on the upgraded stereo is hard to read if it’s sunny out and the factory-spec tires don’t belong on a sports car.

Observed Mileage: 7.9L/100km

Pick This One If: You want the ultimate driver’s car in this price range – along with fantastic looks, a great engine and great mileage.

Other Notes: The 7,500 rpm redline and blinky “shift-me-please” LED light in the centre-mounted tachometer is slick. It also features the best sounding engine in the group.

2013 scion frs vs 2013 honda civic si
Photo: Justin Pritchard

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Good: The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is absolutely loaded with features and thoughtful design touches. The equipment list smokes the other cars. The Veloster Turbo has the most mid-range torque of the three, the best stereo and the most flexible, usable design. The three-door setup is handy, the panoramic sunroof is great, and the trunk is deep and generous.

Bad: Numb electronic throttle calibration feels stodgy and makes heel-and-toe shifting largely impossible in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. A mushy, soft clutch doesn’t help, either. Factory tires on the Veloster give up too easily when pushed, and the steering is quick and heavyset, but has no feel.

Observed Mileage: 8.8L/100km

Pick This One If: You want flexibility, a unique design and a laundry list of goodies over a sporty driving experience.

Other Notes: There is room in the centre console for my Canon T3 SLR camera with two lenses, and there’s a household power outlet for recharging, too.

2013 scion frs vs 2013 honda civic si
Photo: Justin Pritchard

Overview

Photos

Performance Specs

Engine and Transmission

Weight and Towing

Fuel and MPG

Fuel Economy

Emissions

CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year

Fuel Tank

Dimensions and Measurement

Exterior Dimensions

Interior Space

Cargo Space

Wheels and Suspension

Steering

Wheels

Suspension

Tires

Colors and Materials

Standard Exterior Colors

Standard Interior Materials

  • Black, Cloth Seat Trim

  • Black, Fabric Upholstery

Features and Options

Infotainment

Interior Trim

Comfort

Steering Wheel Audio Controls

Safety

Safety Features

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Airbags

Warranty

Warranty Summary

Corrosion

5 Years / Unlimited Miles

5 Years / Unlimited Miles

Roadside Assistance

2 Years / Unlimited Miles

Is Scion FRS 2013 reliable?

The 2013 Scion FR-S has a reliability score of two out of five from J.D. Power. Thats the lowest score possible across the auto industry.

Is Scion FRS a reliable car?

Unfortunately, the Toyota Scion FR-S has a pretty low reliability rating, even when compared with other cars in its class. While it's not a bad car by any means, the Scion FR-S probably isn't the best choice for you if you value reliability and dependability in your vehicle.

Is the Civic Si faster?

That's where you find the Civic Si's more powerful turbocharged engine, which makes the Si faster and more exciting to drive. The Civic Si's extra power does mean it has worse fuel economy than other Civic models, and Honda recommends premium fuel so you'll pay extra at the pump.

Does the 2013 Scion FRS have a boxer engine?

Reviewers say the 2013 Scion FR-S proves you don't need luxury sports car money to buy engaging performance. Those who've had some seat time in the FR-S appreciate its boxer engine and smooth-shifting transmissions, as well as its balanced handling, quick steering and strong brakes.