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Sedans Honda Civic Honda Civic Si Sedan
441 messages, Last post on Apr 30, 2008 at 9:46 AM
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Replying to: eldaino (Sep 17, 2007 12:59 pm)  . I was recently able to drive a 2006 Si Coupe that is owned by a friend of mine, and here's a few things that I noticed... The steering is much quicker than in the GTi which makes the Si fun just to drive around town. In contrast, the GTi feels more like a "normal" car, which makes runs to the grocery store feel more...well...normal. I also found the Si to have decent pull at low revs around town. I am used to a 1994 Saab 900S (non-turbo) that had 150hp when it rolled off the assembly line many moons ago. So then, while the Si may not match the GTi for low-end grunt, it feels light and peppy next to my Saab. I loved the interior. The material quality was much better than I expected (I am used to European cars, for the most part), and while I appreciate the simple design of the GTi, the Si struck me as futuristic and interesting. The oval-shaped steering wheel was surprise that I don't think has been mentioned. The shape is subtle enough that I didn't notice it in the pictures, but felt the difference immediately. Back to the GTi, I feel that I would get bored with the its interior quickly. As for the highway ride, I can't really say much about that because I drove the Si around town and on a twisty road (where it was fantastic, by the way), but I can say that I am used to the highway ride of a '94 Saab (lots of wind and road noise, and very bumpy on a 13 year-old suspension). There were several instances where I looked at the speedo in the Si and realized that I was going much faster than I thought, which is a sign of a car that is fairly calm at high speeds. I do take some long trips on which a GTi may be better, but compared to what I'm used to, I think the Si would be fine. The GTi still has some pluses though: I know it may sound silly, but a draw for me with the GTi is the fact that it has xenon headlamps, which the Si does not. I'm also curious about the DSG. I am used to driving manuals and have always enjoyed having a clutch and shifter, but I am somehow drawn to the paddle-shifting. Has anyone tried this who is used to a manual? Do you think I would miss the clutch? Also, does anyone know if you can install xenon-type bulbs in the Si? I notice that many production cars have these types of bulbs (Older Acura TL's, Escalade, Navigator, etc.)? Thanks for all your help everyone!
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Replying to: sabastian (Sep 19, 2007 9:24 am) |
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Replying to: sabastian (Sep 19, 2007 9:24 am) the steering is lighting fast on the si, plus, despite the torque disadvantage, it weighs significantly less than the gti, hence the nimbleness. the gti has a great interior, but just like my rabbit, its a bit stark, and you will tire of it more quickly. |
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Replying to: eldaino (Sep 20, 2007 8:30 am) While the Si represents better value over the GTi, has quicker steering, and the promise of Honda reliability, I think I'm going to have to go with the GTi. Here's why...I've always been a fan of European simplicity and class, and the GTi has that in spades. The interior is not as interesting as the Si, but it has lots of little touches that make it feel special (guages, flat-bottom wheel, plaid seats). I also am a fan of the GTi's more usable power band and the DSG gearbox. Sure, it doesn't have the handling of the Si, but it still likes to have a play. Finally, I've always been a hatchback fan (current car is a Saab 900), and I think I would have a tough time adjusting to a sedan-type car. My next step is to look for an '07 GTi that a dealer wants to unload to make room for the '08's. Thanks for all your help...sorry I decided to go against the Honda. I still think the Si is a great car, and I recognize that it is better than the GTi at many things, but for my situation and tastes, the GTi wins.
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Replying to: sabastian (Sep 21, 2007 9:31 am) I bought an '07 Si Sedan after test-driving the GTI and Mini Cooper S. The Mini is definitely the sports car of the bunch. It feels the quickest, has ample power everywhere on the tach, has heavy, quick, direct steering, and has amazing handling. The ride is stiff but not unreasonable. The interior is just too quirky for me (the turn signals would drive me insane very quickly), and in the end I couldn't justify a 2-door with a tiny, tiny back seat. The GTI feels the most "mature". It has a very refined interior, comfy seats, and lots of interior space. I didn't find the ride or noise levels to be that different from the Si (unless you're talking about an Si above 6K rpms, which is a different story...). The steering feels well-weighted and direct, but distinctly slower than the Si. Then there's VW reliability. After 50K miles, who knows how often the GTI will be in the shop? The Si has everything I was looking for and is several thousand less than a comparably-equipped Mini or GTI. It has very quick, direct steering. The effort is a touch lighter than the others, but still offers plenty of road feel. It corners very flat and has ample grip (and I have the all-seasons). The ride is pretty firm (though I wouldn't say "harsh", but on long road trips I'd probably opt for our Passat wagon. It isn't the quietest car on the road (you definitely hear the exhaust note even at low rpms), but it's liveable. I actually like the interior, including the gauge setup. I think it's more legible than the GTI (and WAY better than the Cooper). The seats are the most comfortable of the three, in my opinion (though I wouldn't mind adjustable lumbar support...) and really hug you in the turns. The trunk is quite roomy, and the back seat is perfectly fine. The shifter has the shortest throws of the three and has very good feel, but can be notchy at times, and 6th is hard to find. Also, third gear has been an issue with many Si owners. I've heard that changing the transmission fluid improves things considerably. Power down low is pretty good, but not earth-shattering. Shift at 3000-3500 and you'll get 28+ mpg. Shifting at 3500-5000 rpms feels very sporty and good for normal driving. Above 6000+ rpms, the driving experience is TOTALLY transformed. You feel like you're driving a $20K Ferrari, if such a thing existed. The engine screams like a race car, the scenery blurs, and you just hang on until the shift light starts to blink... it's completely addictive. The others I test drove just didn't grab me the way the Si did, and in the end that (coupled with better value) was what sold me. |
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Replying to: sabastian (Sep 21, 2007 9:31 am) even though i love the high rpm thrills and flat cornering of the si, the gti's powerband, stability and classiness are unmatched. if its of any consolation, i had a mkV rabbit, and i drove her to 28k without any problems. VW really upped reliability with the MkV's, even if it still falls short of honda standards.
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Replying to: eldaino (Sep 27, 2007 9:32 am) 
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Wait for a new Si sedan or get an '07 Accord V6 EX-L w/ Nav and 6-speed for close to the same price?
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Replying to: tayl0rd (Oct 09, 2007 8:49 am) |
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| For those who still want it the USASpec PA11-HON2Y adaptor still works. It can work with the XM radio. It's cheaper but Honda is working on a new ipod adaptor. | |
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