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Ford Focus ZX3 / SVT vs. Honda Civic Si / RSX

232 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2009 at 7:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Acura RSX, Coupe, Hatchback

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#173 of 232 the_man by muffin_man Dec 19, 2003 (10:21 am)
a) The RSX-S does not compete with the Si and the SVT, it is significantly more expensive. That said, until 6000rpms, both the Si and the SVT have about the same power output B) the Si and RSX-S share a lot of suspension components, and the Si has significantly more storage room. And I prefer the Si transmission to the RSX-S. C) The RSX-S would cost about 6500 more than I paid for my Si, not worth it to me D) The SVT is a LOT slower than the RSX-S, and virtually the same speed as the Si (.1 in the 1/4 mile is insignificant) E) When I bought my Si in 2002, it was still too early to tell whether the SVT was going to suffer the same early maladies of the rest of the Focus line. It's a great car, but the seats are basically identical to the Si, except for the cheap leather which I didn't want. The HIDs are great, but I wasn't that impressed by the sound system (and I'm not impressed by the Si's system either, but it's good enough) F) Don't feel sorry for me, I'll be ok.
#174 of 232 Recaro re dudka by moparbad Dec 31, 2003 (8:29 am)
The seats in the Honda Civic Si are not Recaro seats. (What is Recarro?) This is according to Honda and according to Recaro. I contacted both Honda and Recaro when I owned my 2002 Civic Si and Honda USA stated that the seats are not Recaro. Honda of Swindon England stated that only the R type Civic has Recaro seats installed at factory. Recaro of Germany firmly stated that seats in Honda Civic Si are NOT supplied by Recaro. If was difficult and took some time to verify this. I consider the belief that Si seats are Recaro to be an Urban Myth.   Brand new 2003 Focus SVT are available for $15,500. Better value than Si.
#175 of 232 moparbad by ibudic1 Feb 18, 2004 (3:25 pm)
Better value?   When you figure in resale, reliability and fuel economy Ford WILL cost you more, don't believe me? Read consumer reviews about focus.
#176 of 232 OLA... by silversolara Mar 12, 2004 (1:58 pm)
everybody...   I am debating the need to trade in my current ride for something else. I've decided upon a 2-door hatch as my vehicle of choice; i work in the NorthEast section of Philadelphia, and need a car that can squeeze into a parking spot.    Other needs: room for a carload of books & a computer monitor, sports-car-like handling, and comfort (it's a 45 minute commute).   I've narrowed the field to: the Focus SVT ZX-3 Honda Civic Si (and the dream) the Volkswagon R-32.   If Subaru made a 2-door hatch, I'd be all over it.   I've test-driven the SVT, and will test-drive an Si this weekend.   Open-minded opinions about these cars would be welcome, altho the R-32 I would ONLY want off-lease and under $20K (hence, it's a dream) ...
#177 of 232 by muffin_man Mar 12, 2004 (4:55 pm)
If the R32 is the dream, why not include a regular VR6 or 1.8T Golf on the list? (besides the high price and reliability issues)   The SVT is probably the better overall package than the Si, but I bet you can get a better deal on an Si. See what kind of negotiating you can do.   If it makes you feel better, the R32 is not really competitive, performance-wise, with other cars in its price range. It would be tough for me to pick that car over a 350Z, RX-8, GTO, STI, Evo, etc. True, they aren't exactly 2-door hatchbacks, but still, the R32 is way too expensive for what you get, I think.
#178 of 232 focus reliability by mcap56 Mar 13, 2004 (8:19 am)
The focus did indeed improve it's reliability and it is the top ranked car in the segment according to CR. However, it must be noted that the top ranking is based on many things other than reliability. The reliability of the focus has been upgraded to average from much worse than average. The Civic remains much better than average.
#179 of 232 by muffin_man Mar 14, 2004 (9:57 pm)
Well, I'm quite happy with my Si, and have had no problems with it. At the same time, I haven't read any problems from SVT owners on this board, then again, how many SVT owners are there?
#180 of 232 #176 of 179 OLA... by silversolara Mar 12, 2004 (4:58 pm) by blueiedgod Mar 15, 2004 (5:42 am)
Since I own an Si, I can say that Si is a good little car. But, I think that PZEV Focus ZX3 would be a good choice as well. Focus SVT may not be your best bet for city driving, it is a little high strung. What you will notice when comparing Si with SVT, Si has lots of useable torque down low, but it cuts out at 6800 rpm. PZEV Focus comes with Mazda's 2.3 liter, and may be just as good for city driving as the Si.   Volkswagen Golf 1.8T may also suit your needs. I agree that R-32 is nice, but it is way overpriced. Doesn't R-32 come with 4WD, just like Audi TT?   Another small vehicle to look into is Scion xA. It is a 4 door, but it is no bigger than Si lengthwise. Even the seemingly "big" xB is short. The scions are not too sporty, but should be fun to drive.
#181 of 232 drat & darn... by silversolara Mar 15, 2004 (7:53 am)
...went to Burns Honda off of Rt. 73 in South Jersey. On top of traffic being terrible, I was greeted quickly, then left to my own devices for 10 mins. Their excuse: inventory showed an Si as being on the lot, but there was no key, and none visible on their huge lot. After another 5 mins of being left alone, I exited. I'll call them and arrange a 'real' appointment next time...   Why I don't want a GTI 1.8: talked to 2 different owners (and I was a past owner of a '72 Fastback), and both got rid of theirs after a few years due to odd electrical glitches ie. windows, lights. I'd like to keep the price to under $18K. Yes, the recent reliability issues of Volkswagon are coming into play, but the R32 is for the most part built in Germany. I think offlease would be the way to go for the R32...   In case I haven't stressed it yet - I REALLY want a 2-door hatch. I only have one other passenger to worry about...   I work in the NorthEast, which gives me immediate access to highways - no need to real city driving.   The SVT had gobs of low torque, but I found the one I test-drove to have an annoying bout of electronic throttle lag. Waiting that extra second for the engine to stop revving was really off-putting, but I will test drive another SVT to see if it is a common thing.   My main concern with the Si - cabin noise. I hated test driving the new Celica GTs due to the high-revving whiny engine. I guess i am a little old-school: I'd take low-end torque versus hitting the sweet spot on the power band at 6K revs... but if the cabin is decently quiet at that RPM for the Si, that would help...   Many thanks to everybody who posted a reply.
#182 of 232 silversolara by muffin_man Mar 15, 2004 (1:27 pm)
The electronic throttle lag you describe sounds like an emissions thing. It would stay full throttle after you shifted for a moment? I don't really know anything about that.   I remember thinking that the Si was a pretty quiet car before I put an exhaust on it, now I hate taking it on the freeway, but it sounds good around town.   The Si has slightly more torque than the RSX-S or Celica GTS until 6000rpms or so, so it will feel similarly quick under most driving conditions.   The Celica GT is definitely slower and noisier. The PZEV Focus is pretty quiet and has a great engine, but the power difference is noticeable. Then again, I've seen stripped down Foci for like $10,000.   The Si is very comfortable at freeway cruising speeds, power to spare. I'm sure you would be happy with it.

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