:doh:, I don't even think of the base, if anyones getting a RSX, get a Type-S . Sorry I jumped the facts.

 

Personally I would go with the Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 due to the fact that they have potental and I like the styling. Thats my .02:thumbup:

 

Yeah, if the head gasket doesn't blow first.

Mike

 

they'll be recalls for that

 

I'd say they all have their advantages and disadvantages.


The Civic Si has a very nice interior and overall styling. (not many people agree, but once you sit in one..you will not forget.) It is a bit underpowered compared to the other cars in the lineup.


The Mazdaspeed Protoge looks like it has potential. I got to see one upclose yesterday at the Int. Autoshow. Interior is a bit flashy, rims look bling'ish. The engine/turbo setup is the only thing that attracts me. Otherwise...I'm not really fond of the Protoge coupe/sedan styling.


The Hyundai Tiburon is a really big surprise to me. The seats and ergonomics of the interior are amazing. Supportive and sporty. The motor is a V6 and the exterior styling has really improved a lot. Even though I am not attracted to Hyundai, this car has really caught my eye in vaule, price, and performance. It is kind of hard to believe you get all that for around 16-17k.


The Nissan SE-R is ok. The interior is comparable to the Mazdaspeed Protege, but not as good as the Tiburon, and the Civic. It felt like a huge car to me also. The styling is not of my likes but the 180 hp engine is probably the most attractive compared to the other 3. I believe the price is close to or above 20k.


As for the Ford Focus SVT. I have no comments. The Focus has problems period. I believe there is a nationwide recall on that car.





If it was up to me, I would go with the Honda Civic Si. It may be underpowered compared to the others in its class, but I am very impressed with it after all the research I've done yesterday at the autoshow.


As I would rate it in my opinion from best to worst in terms of styling and value:

Civic Si
Hyundai Tiburoun V6
MazdaSpeed Protege and Nissan Sentra SER
Ford Focus SVT.

 

im still wondering how they gothte FMIC to pass the 5mph bumper laws that no one seemed to be able to pass before

 

I would go with the Civic Si. It seems according to many magazines there is alot of potential for that car. When they did an intake test on the rsx-type S they got a 20 hp gain. I would imagine(correct me if i am wrong) you would get a simliar bump on the SI engine. There might be a just as much of a bottle neck in the exhaust system/headers. Plus you might be able to use Jdm civic type r stuff on it also. I am not sure about that on because i think the type R engine is K20a and the Si engine is K20a2( i think). In other words they are similiar but not the same. In other words I would take the SI

ronin

 

its a ford...they prolly get exceptions. :squint:

 

Well, not one of you that replied actually owns a Civic Si lol...does that say anything about the car itself? Actually been doing quite a bit of research and while the Civic Si is probably lags behind the cars mentioned above in value/performance, its pretty negligible and the cars turn out to be of similar price.

A SE-R with a moonroof turnsout to be around 19k, but its got 17's, foglights, a spoiler, and foglights.

The Mazdaspeed Protege is about 20.5k, but if you count that it has a 450Mw Kenwood Mp3 system the value is comparable to the other cars.

The Tiburon comes in around 20k, but it too comes with foglights, spoiler, and 17's.

The Honda has the least hp and torque, smallest rims, but I've heard that the quality and interior are top notch. Also, its likely to be the most reliable and will have the best resale value in 36 and 60 months from the AIG.

And we did go to the Nissan and Honda dealers today actually, seems like the Honda guys were really willing to bargain. My bro test drove it and the salesman was really indicating we could get a good deal, esp. since Honda is offering 1.9% short term financing. I think that with some bargaining one could walk away with a new Si for under 17.5k easily. As somone pointed out, I doubt you'd be able to negotiate such a deal with other dealers. The Nissan dealer didn't seem to think we could buy the car even though we drove up in our mom's 98 A4!

 

Say, does anyone know if the SE-R has foglights or not??
Just wondering?

JFWY, The weekend is over and my hang over still isn't. Sux cause I have a Thermo test tomorrow I should be studying for.

Tom