Can the Regal GS Outrun the Civic?
3 Answers
The Regal GS can indeed outrun the Civic, and here are the reasons: Power Specifications: The Regal GS is equipped with a 2.0T+9AT powertrain combination, delivering a maximum power of 174kW (5000rpm), maximum horsepower of 237Ps, and maximum torque of 350N•m (1500-4000rpm). Its 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.2 seconds. Additionally, the Regal GS features CDC active suspension, providing stronger lateral support during cornering. The Civic, as a "small sports car," also boasts impressive power specifications. It comes with a 1.5T+CVT powertrain combination, producing a maximum power of 130kW (5500rpm), maximum horsepower of 177Ps, and maximum torque of 220N•m (1700-5500rpm). Its 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.5 seconds.
Having driven both the Regal GS and the Civic, I'll share my real-world experience. A regular Civic 1.5T stands little chance against the Regal GS on the road—the 237-horsepower Regal GS pins you to the seat with its floor-it acceleration. But encounter a red-badged Civic Type R, and it's a whole different story: factory-rated at over 300 hp and equipped with an LSD, it can pull half a car length ahead of the Regal GS from a traffic light. The key is spotting that red Honda badge and center-mounted triple exhaust—that's the real deal. Honestly though, safe driving matters most in the city; speed contests aren't worth it.
Just drove these two cars at a track day last week. The LTG engine in the Buick Regal GS is indeed powerful, with a 0-100 km/h time of just over 6 seconds, which is more than enough for daily overtaking. However, the Civic's performance varies by version. The regular CVT Civic feels sluggish during acceleration, but the manual version with rev-matching downshifts feels much more responsive. In an ultimate showdown, a Civic SI with ECU tuning can hit the 5-second club, while the stock GS might be left in the dust. Tires also make a big difference—the GS's 245-wide tires offer far superior grip compared to the Civic.
