Honda Civic Type R vs. Renault Clio 182: retro hot hatch battle

Have you ever wondered which is better; the 2005 EP3 Honda Civic Type R or the 2004 Mk2 Renault Clio 182? Well, you're about to find out in our head-to-head retro comparison of these two iconic hot hatches.

Team cinch has been eager to put these two cars up against each other for some time now. Partly because it's a great excuse to drive some legends from the past but also to see just how far modern cars have come in the last 20-odd years.

Between Honda's very own EP3 Civic Type R from its heritage fleet and our motoring editor Sam Sheehan's Clio personal Renaultsport 182, which he's owned since 2011, we delve into the differences between them and try and work out which one we prefer. Spoiler alert: it's not easy.

On the one hand, you've got a Honda with a high-revving (to 8,250rpm, no less) 200hp four-cylinder engine versus an 182hp four-cylinder engine in the Clio.

But on the other, you have some of the best damping ever seen in a budget hatchback in the Renault against one of the best manual gearboxes ever made in the Civic.

As we said, this isn't a decision we can make lightly so you better watch the full video to find out which takes the cake.

• Find a used Honda Civic

• Find a used Renault Clio