Si versus VTi ?

[turkeywing]

I'm in the market for a similar car to Charlie.

Would people agree with Forg's comment on Si being more fun to drive than the VTi with VTEC?

I can afford an Si but probably not a Vtec model which seem to pull much more dollars.

thanks
TurkeyWing

Charlie Boon wrote:
...
> I wanna buy a Honda Civic, about $7k to
> $10k is my budget.
>
> What will that amount of money buy me and
> which ones are the "pick of the bunch"?
> I'm after a 4 door sedan, preferably manual
> with airco.
...

OK, that money should buy you the November '91 up to
September '95 model. You might find a newer one, but I
doubt it'd be in very good condition. There's absolutely
nothing wrong with the model prior, they're an exceptionally
good car for their age, but you'd want it to be absolutely
spotless and at the lower end of your price-range.

Equipment levels in 4dr sedan form are;
'91 - '93 GL - 74kW twin-carb SOHC 1.5 engine. Power
windows & mirrors, power steering, central locking, cloth trim.
'91 - '93 Si - 96kW DOHC EFI 1.6 engine. As above, but more
powerful engine, 4-wheel discs, tilt adjust steering.
'93 - '95 GLi - 74kW EFI SOHC 1.5 engine. Same as GL above,
but with EFI engine. Driver's side airbag from August '94.
'93 - '95 VEi - 66kW EFI SOHC VTEC 1.5 engine. As above,
but with VTEC-economy engine; uses less fuel. Driver's side
airbag.
'93 - '95 VTi - 96kW EFI SOHC VTEC 1.6 engine. Same as Si
above, but with VTEC engine & sunroof; less revvy & zingy,
but beefier torque-curve (less need to rev, but a bit less
fun IMHO; more suited to auto transmission than Si engine).
Also got driver's side airbag from August '94.
'95 - Special Edition. Exactly the same as GLi, but they
all had airconditioning as standard (A/C optional on all
other models).

As an indication, my sister sold her 12/91 auto + A/C +
alloys immaculate 160k kms gunmetal Si for exactly $10k,
about 18 months ago. Prices should've dropped a bit since
then, but it was snapped-up very quickly.

In terms of reliability they're all much the same. Si is
probably the most fun, but the VTi's a bit less work to keep
it on-song. Equipment levels are very, very close; the only
real differences are engines.


--
--
Forg! -DUH#6=- (Y1)

[wynode]

I didn't read all of what "Charlie" had to say, but I'd say the Si has a more linear power curve than the vti. Yes, they make about the same power, but if you are into making modifications, the Si is the way to go.

It is a 'bit' lighter than the vti as it doesn't have airbags + sun roof (something you may/may not want). As to which one is quicker, some say vti, some say Si.

But then again, I might be biased.

I have an Si 4 door and Weq has a Vti 4 door. Maybe we should go for a run up at OPH Weq?

Hope that helps.

[turkeywing]

Wow, that was a quick response!

Thanks wynode, that's the sort of thing I was looking for.

Especially as the Si is a bit more in my budget 8)

The only Hondas I've briefly driven are:

A. 1989 Civic GL (carby 1.5L) manual hatchback
B. 1994 Civic GL (carby 1.6L) manual 4 door sedan.

Car A was definately quicker and drove sportier (steering seemed more direct).

Car B was smoother and refined but seemed a bit underpowered. The braking didnt overimpress either.

How would a '93-'94 Civic Si (injected 1.6L) in 4 door sedan configuration drive compared to the above two cars?

thanks again
TurkeyWing

[wynode]

How would a '93-'94 Civic Si (injected 1.6L) in 4 door sedan configuration drive compared to the above two cars?

Much better!!!

The engine in the Si is a very good one, and provided you pickup one that has been maintained well, you shouldn't have any major dramas.

Like all Honda engines, its not very torqy, but above 4,500rpm is where it shows its stuff. Its a very revy car and if you keep it above 4,500 it will scream all the way to redline making some big(ish) power!

Its a good engine, and thats why its found in the original CRX and the older Rovers (which had the equivalent ZC).

But like I said, it really shines above 4,500 RPM.

EDIT: PS: If I remember correctly those cars you listed make about 76kW MAX. So driving the Si would be MUCH Better given it makes around 20kW more and also comes with front & rear stabiliser bars standard

[Rufes1]

A. 1989 Civic GL (carby 1.5L) manual hatchback

My car! If your looking for a quick car the 4th gen is a good building block. Very light, excellent handling and easy to do a transplant.

However most people prefer the new cars. Id be going the Si mate!


Cheers

[Weq]

Id say whatever comes ur way. i picked up my VTi for 11.5K with 127 on the clock witha full honda service history, 5 speed manual. It was a pretty good deal as the dealer had it for a couple of months with no interest.

I rekon u would be happier with either car, power output u wont be able to pick the difference, the interiors as the same, the only difference is a sunroof!

Whats OHP wynode, i spose we will have to line em up next meet.

[turkeywing]

I rekon u would be happier with either car, power output u wont be able to pick the difference, the interiors as the same, the only difference is a sunroof!
.

I'd love a sunroof

As long as it doesn't leak :?

I've been offered a nice leather sports steering wheel from an '89 Civic GL.

Anybody know if it would fit on a later model ('93-'94) Civic Si or VTi?


cheers
TurkeyWing

[Rufes1]

I have an electric sunroof in my ED and it wasnt even factory standard and doesnt leak one bit.. I thought it was standard till I saw the sydney sunroof's sticker on it

[wynode]

OPH = Old Pacific Highway.

Chec the Events section for a few threads on it:

http://www.ozhonda.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=735

[A'PEXi]

92 sedan for sale $8700ono... its on the octance firesport page

[Weq]

I rekon u would be happier with either car, power output u wont be able to pick the difference, the interiors as the same, the only difference is a sunroof!
.

I'd love a sunroof

As long as it doesn't leak :?

cheers
TurkeyWing

The sunroof is pure sex. Perfect in every honda way.

[justin]

I'm not a fan of sohc so i'd say the Si (heheh). Don't forget vtec lives in the upmost rev range so yeh...