hey guys i no the thread has gone in another direction, however,

from the outset we arent comparing apples with apples,

you cant compare a sportsback VRX with a civic sedan VTi-L

to compare properly you need to go sedan with sedan not hatch and compare the right models

civic vti = lancer es
civic vti-l = lancer vr
civic sport = lancer vrx / lancer aspire

do some reasearch mate and pick what makes you happy

btw dont even bother with the impreza, my mate has an RS in manual and my shitty vti manual kicks its ass from a standstill and even more from rolling at 40, 60 and 80 km/h, but if ur not a lead foot that wouldnt interest you.