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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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#203 of 232 Re: New Focus or used Integra / RSX [spy_hunter #202] by vibsr May 21, 2004 (5:10 pm)
Replying to: spy_hunter (May 20, 2004 6:53 am) spy_hunter:   I'm a bit biased in that I own a 2004 RSX (160 hp/5-spd man). For the sheer fun factor alone, given your choices...I would go with the '02 RSX-S.   HOWEVER, the RSX-S (200hp/6-speed) requires PREMIUM go-juice! California has the highest gasoline prices in the USA. Those facts alone would weigh heavily on my decision process. *** I just checked the EPA! A 6-speed Focus requires premium, too!***   A 2001 Integra GS-R? Hmmm....See if you can find an article on a 2002 RSX-S. Drive them both if you can. If you lean toward a 2001 GS-R, I think you should look for one that hasn't gone through any serious aftermarket mods.    Long-term resale value is typically lower on a Ford than on a car of the same size/class/age from Honda.   Reliability concerns... Anybody can build a lemon! I once owned a car that some folks said would require major engine-work by 60K. It was a 1986 Escort with a 5-speed. It went nearly 70K on the original brakes, over 100K before it needed a new muffler, and only twice in over 100K miles did it fail to start. Once because of a dead battery, and again because of a bad ingiter. Since then, I've owned a Mazda MX6 that needed a new engine at 194K (got wrecked after the fix %^#&), a Toyota Camry (too polite), and now I have this RSX with about 3K miles on the clock. I've had more repairs on the MX6 than I EVER had with the Escort (but that MX6 was sweet!). Ford has had some wierd problems with the Focus, but by now I would be reasonably certain that most of those bugs were effectively dealt with.   Practicality concerns.... If kids are in your not-too-distant future, a ZX5 might be a bit handier for positioning the tax deduction in the car seat.   Either way, you're in for a fun ride. Hope I didn't bore y'all!!
#204 of 232 re: New Focus vs. used Acura by spy_hunter May 21, 2004 (8:47 pm)
Thanks for the valuable comments, vibsr!   The premium gas issue is a great point. From an environmental perspective, I think the 2.3 l Focus is the better car. Not only does it get a little better mileage, but the PZEV engine won't contribute so much to my girlfriend's asthma.   The Acuras are faster, but if the newer ones are anything like mine, low end torque is a little weak. I suspect the 2.3 l Focus probably steps off the line a little better. Driving around San Diego, this is probably more important than flat out speed.   All that being said, I still can't discount the fact that my 13+ year old Integra runs just beautifully. I just arrived at my parents' house, 375 miles from where I live. She's purring so fine right now, I'm getting really depressed that I've got to sell her.   Plus, I did learn an interesting thing or two from Consumer Reports. I don't rely on them too much for driving impressions, but they do a good job of looking into the small things that may be important. For instance, the ZX5, unlike the SVT, has no rear head restraints! Pretty strange for a more family-centered car. Also, no exterior latch for the hatch. I like throwing my briefcase back there before getting in the car, but no can do in the ZX5.   Oh, well, I guess I'll just have to go and drive them some more . . . Replies to this message: sparky56 (May 22, 2004 8:49 am)
#205 of 232 re: New Focus vs. used Acura [spy_hunter #204] by sparky56 May 22, 2004 (8:49 am)
Replying to: spy_hunter (May 21, 2004 8:47 pm) The lacking rear hatch latch seems to be a new trend with some carmakers. They do give you a button on the fob though.   2.3s can be scarce, at least outside of carb states. The new duratec 2.0s seem to be better than the old zetecs. Good luck.
#206 of 232 Type -S Accura by joe249 May 22, 2004 (9:48 am)
I have one and I paid 25 k as I put a clear mask ,spoiler,fog lights and what ever. This is my 4th accura. They are bullet proof. To get heated seats,you have to buy it in Canada. ;Also, premium gas is expensive . I run (91 to 93 octane.) I love the looks of the Focus and tried one but, the thrill isn't there. I'm scared of VW's but, like Subaru they got heated seats. I sacrificed heated seats for quality. I tried the Mazda 3S Hatch and the sales person said to step on it and the engine made alot of noise but,no Zoom Zoom to me.BMW has heated seats as my wife drives a 5 series but that's her baby.      My Type s has them all beat,although the low end torque leaves alot to be desired on the highway it's a rocket and a fun ride.I'm 65 and it rides stiff and you feel every bump,but it's a great machine that just wants to go .     Lastly the tires are same performance tires on Maza3 Michelin's 17 vr.    I want heated seats,but can't find a reliable car as mine that has them.
#207 of 232 Re: New Focus or used Integra / RSX [spy_hunter #202] by blueiedgod May 24, 2004 (3:02 am)
Replying to: spy_hunter (May 20, 2004 6:53 am) Spy, if cost is an issue and you like the way your girlfriend's Si drives, get base RSX. RSX is exactly the same car as the Si, except for a few minor details. And they sell for much less than RSX-S.
#208 of 232 by muffin_man May 24, 2004 (10:43 am)
The few minor details that separate the Si from the RSX are the best reasons to buy one.   A) Fantastic Seats B) GREAT shifter position C) More cargo space, better access to it D) Better aftermarket support E) Cheaper $$$ F) Relatively rare G) Seats 5 (RSX seats 4)   The advantages of the base RSX are: A) Slightly more torque B) leather available (but worse seats) C) 12 months more warranty   As far as power goes, both the Si and RSX make similar power to the RSX-S until 6000rpms.   You'll notice that joe249 paid ~25,000 for his RSX-S - and it is certainly a great car. That said, the Si is still definitely available for mid 17s (maybe 17 even), and the RSX for mid 18s. $6000-8000 difference is nothing to sneeze at in this price range.   My pick is the Si. Replies to this message: blueiedgod (May 25, 2004 3:19 am)
#209 of 232 focus with pzev by explorerx4 May 24, 2004 (12:51 pm)
got a focus 'zts' with 2.3 pzev and a 5 speed about 3 weeks ago. got it as a car to keep the miles off our suv's. am very impressed with the 2.3 engine. it's very smooth and has plenty of torque. the four bangers i have driven in the past didn't react well to additional weight or running the air. i haven't been able to tell the difference in normal driving, even with 4 people on board, one time. hills don't bother it either. mine has anti lock brakes, power moonroof, windows, door locks and side mirrors, heated seats/mirrors, tilting/telescoping steering wheel, cd/mp3 stereo, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry. the doors are kind of tinny sounding, but other than that it's a nice package. got it for a franklin over 13k, plus tax and reg.
#210 of 232 re: post 209 by explorerx4 May 24, 2004 (4:47 pm)
meant for a ulysses over! spell checking that one was a chore!
#211 of 232 Re: [muffin_man #208] by blueiedgod May 25, 2004 (3:19 am)
Replying to: muffin_man (May 24, 2004 10:43 am) Muffin, I agree that Si is a better package than RSX, but Spy-hunter specifically said that he did not like his girlfriend's Si because of the looks. Some people can look beyond the shell (like us, Si drivers) and some can't (can we put Shallow Hal spell on people who don't like Si's styling?) I was merely suggesting that if he liked the Si's dynamics, that RSX base would provide the same.
#212 of 232 blueiedgod by muffin_man May 25, 2004 (11:27 am)
Ah, I missed that.

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