RE: Honda Civic Type R generations: EP3 vs. FN2 vs. FK
Discussion
I went EP3 to S2000 to FN2 to DC5 and now to FK2.
Absolutely loved my EP3, nothing better than dropping it down into a lower gear, engage vtec and scream to the redline at what seemed like warp speed.
FN2 I did not get on with. Superb gearbox and the exhaust note was better than the EP3 with the taps fully open but my god did it understeer. In the wet it was a nightmare. To be fair the 19" rage alloys didn't help.
FK2 is on a whole new level but then it had to be given the length of time the Type R had been away.
For what it's worth, the S2K trumped the EP3 and its hard to separate my love for the EP3 and DC5.
Absolutely loved my EP3, nothing better than dropping it down into a lower gear, engage vtec and scream to the redline at what seemed like warp speed.
FN2 I did not get on with. Superb gearbox and the exhaust note was better than the EP3 with the taps fully open but my god did it understeer. In the wet it was a nightmare. To be fair the 19" rage alloys didn't help.
FK2 is on a whole new level but then it had to be given the length of time the Type R had been away.
For what it's worth, the S2K trumped the EP3 and its hard to separate my love for the EP3 and DC5.
HJMS123 said:
Martin_Hx said:
Shes was 10 earlier this year! Had it since *almost* new.
Love driving it every day, even if its just the commute to work and back, around 66k miles now i think
. Does need an Italian tune up every few weeks though 
Would i have the new FK... definately... would i sell my EP3? I don't think i could... was my first proper car! Im quite attached
I've never seen a 06 plate before on an EP3 only 55 plates ... looks lovely btw!Love driving it every day, even if its just the commute to work and back, around 66k miles now i think
. Does need an Italian tune up every few weeks though Would i have the new FK... definately... would i sell my EP3? I don't think i could... was my first proper car! Im quite attached
Edited by Martin_Hx on Wednesday 22 June 15:54
I covered 140,000 miles in an EP3 over 7 years of ownership (anyone out there know of WJ52FTZ, 174k and going strong when I stupidly traded it). It was a great everyday car; quick, entertaining and good on fuel. I kept everything Honda bar brake callipers (£1.2k for oem from the dealer). I test drove a championship white FN2, it was slower and needed hammering to feel the LSD. The dealer tried to persuade me it was more grown up. I've no interest in the new one or any of the fwd rivals.
Plastic Sith said:
I went EP3 to S2000 to FN2 to DC5 and now to FK2.
Absolutely loved my EP3, nothing better than dropping it down into a lower gear, engage vtec and scream to the redline at what seemed like warp speed.
FN2 I did not get on with. Superb gearbox and the exhaust note was better than the EP3 with the taps fully open but my god did it understeer. In the wet it was a nightmare. To be fair the 19" rage alloys didn't help.
FK2 is on a whole new level but then it had to be given the length of time the Type R had been away.
For what it's worth, the S2K trumped the EP3 and its hard to separate my love for the EP3 and DC5.
I loved the 10 plate S2000 I drove. Unfortunately needed back seats.Absolutely loved my EP3, nothing better than dropping it down into a lower gear, engage vtec and scream to the redline at what seemed like warp speed.
FN2 I did not get on with. Superb gearbox and the exhaust note was better than the EP3 with the taps fully open but my god did it understeer. In the wet it was a nightmare. To be fair the 19" rage alloys didn't help.
FK2 is on a whole new level but then it had to be given the length of time the Type R had been away.
For what it's worth, the S2K trumped the EP3 and its hard to separate my love for the EP3 and DC5.
I'm on my 4th Type R. I have had 2 EP3's and now on my 2nd FN2.
I feel qualified to comment on those, but have no FK experience.
Therefore EP3 vs FN2 - - -
I do not feel FN2 was a backwards step as suggested in the article, more of a sidestep. I don't see this as an issue but I am biased to any Type R. The high revving K20 and gearbox is still there and is the main draw. Also the FN2 with LSD must be great compared to a UKDM EP3 on track.
Specifics -
EP3 - - -
-smaller and narrower (better for B roads)
-lighter
-slightly better tuning due to simpler straighter exhaust route and oil pump (not much diff maybe 5-10 bhp)
-less sound deadening and more basic / raw which can be more fun as a weekend car
-no door or roof rust
FN2 - - -
-still tunes well, and with fd2 oil pump gains are nearer EP3 I think
-better on longer runs due to comfort
-better seats
-great interior and dash
-luggage space is great
-shorter gearing and lower vtec offsets weight a little
-stiffer chassis
-better steering feel
It appears now they are affordable many more people are agreeing that the FN2 was always a great option even if they didn't realise at first. It may not be the greatest type r but it is very good and it sold lots so must have had something right.
With either minor mods, or going all out big budget, both type r versions seem to have pros and cons.
The biggest FN2 negative is the weight and large size, but practicality is a massive plus and opens it up as a great option for a family hatch and type r in one. Many don't like this idea, but it works IMO. Especially with a family it meant I could easily use an FN2.
My review is more road biased than track.
Concerning the new FK version, it is a big step up, but then it's newer and fighting in the new 300 bhp league.
Even against the new version, my favourites are the EK9 and FD2. If I can make my FN2 somewhere near an FD2 for half the price then it's a winner for me.
I feel qualified to comment on those, but have no FK experience.
Therefore EP3 vs FN2 - - -
I do not feel FN2 was a backwards step as suggested in the article, more of a sidestep. I don't see this as an issue but I am biased to any Type R. The high revving K20 and gearbox is still there and is the main draw. Also the FN2 with LSD must be great compared to a UKDM EP3 on track.
Specifics -
EP3 - - -
-smaller and narrower (better for B roads)
-lighter
-slightly better tuning due to simpler straighter exhaust route and oil pump (not much diff maybe 5-10 bhp)
-less sound deadening and more basic / raw which can be more fun as a weekend car
-no door or roof rust
FN2 - - -
-still tunes well, and with fd2 oil pump gains are nearer EP3 I think
-better on longer runs due to comfort
-better seats
-great interior and dash
-luggage space is great
-shorter gearing and lower vtec offsets weight a little
-stiffer chassis
-better steering feel
It appears now they are affordable many more people are agreeing that the FN2 was always a great option even if they didn't realise at first. It may not be the greatest type r but it is very good and it sold lots so must have had something right.
With either minor mods, or going all out big budget, both type r versions seem to have pros and cons.
The biggest FN2 negative is the weight and large size, but practicality is a massive plus and opens it up as a great option for a family hatch and type r in one. Many don't like this idea, but it works IMO. Especially with a family it meant I could easily use an FN2.
My review is more road biased than track.
Concerning the new FK version, it is a big step up, but then it's newer and fighting in the new 300 bhp league.
Even against the new version, my favourites are the EK9 and FD2. If I can make my FN2 somewhere near an FD2 for half the price then it's a winner for me.
"but it still doesn't communicate enough about what's going on under the tyres"
And yet that attribute in the EP3 is in a different universe to the current Fiesta ST, but motoring journalists spuff over how good the ST is?
If there was ever a car where the above quote was applicable, it's the mk7 ST. The steering in an EP3 is so much better than it's given credit for here.
And yet that attribute in the EP3 is in a different universe to the current Fiesta ST, but motoring journalists spuff over how good the ST is?
If there was ever a car where the above quote was applicable, it's the mk7 ST. The steering in an EP3 is so much better than it's given credit for here.
I think as with a lot of things not just cars , the original is the best , proper proper car that one still good today 14 or is it 15 years on and for me still looks the best of the 3 by some distance . There was nothing at all like it when it came out amazing engine , great car only one gripe position of gear selector defo not for me , I think they made a mistake with that not been in that position since and never will be again , super car though grab one while you can
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