Can the Regal GS Outrun the Civic?

[AdamRose]

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.

[VincentMarie]

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.

[McEvangeline]

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.

[StLillian]

Veteran Driver's Experience: A Stage 1 tune on the new Regal GS can push it to 280 horsepower, leaving a stock Civic in the dust. But Honda enthusiasts know the potential of the red-top engine—some FK8 Civic Type R owners in my circle have upgraded the intake and intercooler, easily surpassing 400 horsepower. However, in stock form, the GS's sport seats and Brembo calipers offer more stability in corners. Last year during a mountain run, I raced against a modified Civic. I won the drag start, but got overtaken in a series of hairpin turns.

[SanElle]

Let the actual test data speak for itself. The current Regal GS accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the 10th-gen Civic 1.5T manual does it in 7.3 seconds. Although the 11th-gen Civic has a new engine, its acceleration is actually slower than the 10th-gen. However, note that the Civic is 200kg lighter, making it potentially more agile in mid-range acceleration (40-80km/h). The biggest difference lies in their transmissions: the GS's 9AT shifts feel like being kicked, while the Civic's CVT is much smoother. If you really want to race in a straight line, remember to turn off ESP, and don't attempt it on rainy days.

[OAaliyah]

The most convincing cases are seen in repair shops. In stock condition, the Regal GS consistently outperforms a regular Civic, but nine out of ten modified Civics are performance enthusiasts. The most extreme Civic I've seen had a K20C1 engine swap, with 400 horsepower—enough to lift the front wheels on launch in a front-wheel-drive car. Buick owners, on the other hand, mostly opt for exhaust upgrades or ECU tuning, as the GS chassis is already quite capable. A reminder: don't compare a family-oriented Civic to a sports sedan—the structural designs of commuter cars and performance vehicles are fundamentally different. If you're serious about acceleration, electric cars are the current kings.