I own corolla grande cvti 2015 currently and after testing against my friends 1.8 civic oriel 2017 and other similar 1.8 category rides is that corolla not only has more pick but due to a better cvt gear box it reaches top speed faster than the civic oriels sluggish cvt gearbox.
If your looking to buy a car solely based on performance its corolla if you want something more stable on turns and corners go for civic. Both rides have good brakes not much difference but civic is easier to maneuver in high speeds.
And please dont compare corolla 1.6 with these two that can be compared to a honda city 1.5 not these.