if you want the good interior and like the hatchback style, go for the GTI 1.8. it needs handling work though. if you want 170 hp, go for the protege, however, the internals and transmission aren't built for 250 hp so it handles and looks well but the engine prolly needs some work. the se-r is a great value (you can get it for a fair amount under MSRP, which you probably won't be able to do w/ the protege or srt or svt) but it has an unsophisticated rear suspension (beam!) and needs some engine work (entire new exhaust system, remove balance shafts) if you can handle the look (not me) the srt is 1K$ away from making as much power as a 350Z and the suspension is pretty good and the brakes rule.

these are probably all better buys than the Si (crappy tires, 15s, underpowered, ugly, soft suspension). be like me and wait for Honda to replace it w/ the SiR (so sweet looking). just hope they remember the LSD

allan