[cb550]

From reading on here over the years, I think the Type S is only different to any non Type R Civic in terms of aesthetics, mechanically I believe there is no difference, But I could be corrected by those that know more than I

The rear track is wider than the 5 door. whether that's achieved by a different axle or different hubs I could'nt say (would have thought the axle)

 

[cb550]

Is that not the facelifted mk8?

As I'm fairly sure Honda decided to modify the 3 door to make it slightly more sporting than the 5 door. Although that maybe independent from Type S trim.

Nope, my from new '07 Type S (non GT) was a completely different beast to my previous ES 2.2. Not too surprising considering it did'nt have the 'bendy' 5 door bodyshell, the top heavy glass roof, 16'' wheels and the weight carried by the ES (heaviest curb weight out of the lot of them)

Apart from the wider rear track there were also differences to the steering gear and front suspension.

The ES was great as a family car but not even slightly as a car with any 'sporting' pretensions. The Type S was made for that job and in experience excelled!

 

[cb550]

Yes your'e information/parts lists shows the axles the same part numbers. The stub axle part numbers are different for the 2 car variants. It would seem therefore the track width differences are achieved by them?!