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Tracking the Fuel Economy of MotorVero's 2013 Honda Civic and 2013 Subaru BRZ
Long-Term Ownership: 2013 Honda Civic vs. Subaru BRZ Performance Deep Dive
Real-World Mileage Showdown: Civic's Efficiency vs. BRZ's Performance
In our long-term vehicle evaluation program at MotorVero, two standout models from 2013 have revealed surprising insights about real-world performance. The practical 2013 Honda Civic and the sporty 2013 Subaru BRZ, while serving different purposes, have both demonstrated their unique strengths during extended testing.
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Key Finding:
The Civic has accumulated 12,217 miles in just seven months, nearly matching the BRZ's 13,061 miles achieved over ten months. This rapid mileage accumulation speaks volumes about the Civic's role as a versatile daily driver and road trip companion.
Fuel Efficiency: Exceeding Expectations
Our highway-focused testing revealed both vehicles capable of surpassing their EPA estimates, though with markedly different approaches:
| Metric | 2013 Honda Civic | 2013 Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Highway Estimate | 39 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Best Observed Highway MPG | 42.83 mpg (9.8% above EPA) | 35.94 mpg (19.8% above EPA) |
| Typical Driving Mix | 65% highway, 35% city | 40% highway, 60% city |
The Civic's 1.8L i-VTEC engine with ECO Assist technology demonstrates Honda's engineering prowess in extracting maximum efficiency from conventional powertrains. Meanwhile, the BRZ's 2.0L boxer engine, while less efficient on paper, delivers impressive real-world numbers when given opportunities for highway cruising.
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Usage Patterns Tell the Story
The mileage accumulation rates reveal how these vehicles serve different roles in our fleet:
- Honda Civic: Became the preferred choice for summer road trips and daily commuting, with its comfortable ride and exceptional fuel range
- Subaru BRZ: Served more as a weekend fun car and urban runabout, with fewer long-distance opportunities
Engineering Behind the Numbers
Honda Civic's Efficiency Secrets
The Civic's ability to exceed its EPA estimates stems from several smart engineering choices:
- Lightweight chassis construction (2,762 lbs)
- Aerodynamic profile with 0.36 drag coefficient
- ECO Assist system that optimizes throttle mapping
- 5-speed automatic with tall overdrive ratio
Subaru BRZ's Surprising Mileage
Despite its sporty nature, the BRZ achieves better-than-expected mileage through:
- Lightweight design (2,758 lbs)
- Low center of gravity improving aerodynamic efficiency
- Direct injection and high 12.5:1 compression ratio
- 6-speed manual transmission with efficient gear ratios
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Ownership Experience Comparison
Beyond the numbers, these vehicles deliver distinctly different experiences:
| Category | Honda Civic | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Comfort | Spacious cabin with excellent visibility | Sporty cockpit with bolstered seats |
| Cargo Practicality | 12.5 cu-ft trunk, 60/40 split seats | 6.9 cu-ft trunk, fixed rear bulkhead |
| Driving Dynamics | Predictable handling, soft suspension | Precise steering, stiff sport suspension |
| Technology Features | Available navigation, rearview camera | Driver-focused minimal interface |
Maintenance and Reliability Notes
After thousands of miles, both vehicles have demonstrated strong reliability:
Honda Civic Maintenance Highlights
- Required only routine oil changes every 7,500 miles
- Original brakes still at 60% life remaining
- No unscheduled repairs needed
Subaru BRZ Maintenance Notes
- Slightly more frequent oil changes (every 5,000 miles)
- Tire rotation crucial due to rear-wheel drive setup
- One early warranty claim for seat adjustment mechanism
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Which One Makes More Sense?
The answer depends entirely on your priorities:
Choose the 2013 Honda Civic if you:
- Log high annual mileage (15,000+ miles/year)
- Need practical passenger and cargo space
- Want maximum fuel efficiency
- Prefer comfortable, stress-free driving
Choose the 2013 Subaru BRZ if you:
- Prioritize driving engagement over practicality
- Have a secondary vehicle for family needs
- Appreciate rear-wheel drive dynamics
- Want standout styling in the segment
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Final Verdict: Different Tools for Different Jobs
Our long-term experience confirms that both the 2013 Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ excel in their respective missions. The Civic has proven itself as an exceptionally capable and efficient daily driver that happily consumes highway miles, while the BRZ delivers sports car thrills with surprisingly reasonable operating costs.
For buyers torn between these approaches, consider your actual usage patterns rather than theoretical preferences. The Civic's ability to exceed 40 mpg on highways makes it ideal for commuters, while the BRZ's engaging dynamics reward driving enthusiasts willing to sacrifice some practicality.
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Last Updated On Aug, 12-2025