HSTuners - View Single Post - civic 96-2000 vs Civic 2001-

JDMFantasy2k · 10-23-2006, 11:22 AM

Ok here's my take. The 99-00 civic Si (chassis code EM1) is my pick for the best civic honda has built; to this day. Yes it may now have a lot of bells and whistles compared to the new 06 civic Si (chassis code FG), but it doesnt need them. It came with a b16 that had 160 horse, excellent suspension, and was an all around great car. Now when comparing 96-00 (commonly reffered to EK civics, but only hatches have EK in their vin, and coupes have EJ in their vin, but it's all basically the same), you need to realize that there are some differences between 96-98, and 99-00. It's like a mini generation. In 96-98 the headlights are rounded on the corners, the grill is small, and front bumper is shaped differently and more square. I believe the rear follows the same boxy body lines as well. The hood and the fenders are also different. Lastly, 96 was the year all car manufactures had to switch to OBD2, so civics that are 96-98 are equipped with OBD2a.

99-00 is the best. It's more rounded with more aggressive body lines. The grill is bigger, the headlights are cut straight on the sides, and overall the car appears more aggressive compared to the previous 2 years. These cars also come with OBD2B, it is called that because honda decided to make some provisions which included changing the ECU and the wiring to it. Nothing major, but powertrain and chassis wise, all cars of the same trim level, haven't changed much through 96-00.

So what about the 2001+ (The chassis code is EM, but usually somehting like EM2 or EP3 for the 2001+ civic Si. Why honda called the 99-00 Si an EM when it shares the same chassis as an EJ, i don't know) you may be asking? Well obviously some big changes were had. This generation also has a half point where some changes would be made, which is in 2004. So in 2001 honda re did the whole exterior, and interior, but kep the basic lines. Everything from both generations, is in the same place basically and shares the same idea, just a little different. I'm not sure of the power plant changes, but i do know some extensive changes were made. In 2004, the exterior was changed again for the tear drop headlights and probably some other things which i coudl care less about. Lastly is the suspension. 92-00 civics utilize a double wishbone suspension up front. It's strong points are that it's relatively simple, durable, and provides excellent road feel, yes there is more unsprung weight because of the components, but most will agree that the stock suspension is pretty stout for what it is. 2001+ switched to a true macphearson strut setup. This is where the struts hold the weight of the car. They connect to the actual knuckle, and some don't think they handle as well. Most drivers probably aren't skilled enough to realize, so it's all a matter of preference. In fact, the 92-00 civics actually have machperson strut setups, but it's in conjunction with the double wishbones. The strut connects the front lower control arm to the car. So although it does support the weight of the vehicle, it has other things to steady it and support it. It's all a matter of preference really. But it is undisputed that the 88-00 civics definately have more aftermarket support thatn 2001+ civics. Hope this helped.

10-23-2006, 11:22 AM	#2
JDMFantasy2k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: northeastern connecticut Age: 37 Posts: 1,765	Ok here's my take. The 99-00 civic Si (chassis code EM1) is my pick for the best civic honda has built; to this day. Yes it may now have a lot of bells and whistles compared to the new 06 civic Si (chassis code FG), but it doesnt need them. It came with a b16 that had 160 horse, excellent suspension, and was an all around great car. Now when comparing 96-00 (commonly reffered to EK civics, but only hatches have EK in their vin, and coupes have EJ in their vin, but it's all basically the same), you need to realize that there are some differences between 96-98, and 99-00. It's like a mini generation. In 96-98 the headlights are rounded on the corners, the grill is small, and front bumper is shaped differently and more square. I believe the rear follows the same boxy body lines as well. The hood and the fenders are also different. Lastly, 96 was the year all car manufactures had to switch to OBD2, so civics that are 96-98 are equipped with OBD2a. 99-00 is the best. It's more rounded with more aggressive body lines. The grill is bigger, the headlights are cut straight on the sides, and overall the car appears more aggressive compared to the previous 2 years. These cars also come with OBD2B, it is called that because honda decided to make some provisions which included changing the ECU and the wiring to it. Nothing major, but powertrain and chassis wise, all cars of the same trim level, haven't changed much through 96-00. So what about the 2001+ (The chassis code is EM, but usually somehting like EM2 or EP3 for the 2001+ civic Si. Why honda called the 99-00 Si an EM when it shares the same chassis as an EJ, i don't know) you may be asking? Well obviously some big changes were had. This generation also has a half point where some changes would be made, which is in 2004. So in 2001 honda re did the whole exterior, and interior, but kep the basic lines. Everything from both generations, is in the same place basically and shares the same idea, just a little different. I'm not sure of the power plant changes, but i do know some extensive changes were made. In 2004, the exterior was changed again for the tear drop headlights and probably some other things which i coudl care less about. Lastly is the suspension. 92-00 civics utilize a double wishbone suspension up front. It's strong points are that it's relatively simple, durable, and provides excellent road feel, yes there is more unsprung weight because of the components, but most will agree that the stock suspension is pretty stout for what it is. 2001+ switched to a true macphearson strut setup. This is where the struts hold the weight of the car. They connect to the actual knuckle, and some don't think they handle as well. Most drivers probably aren't skilled enough to realize, so it's all a matter of preference. In fact, the 92-00 civics actually have machperson strut setups, but it's in conjunction with the double wishbones. The strut connects the front lower control arm to the car. So although it does support the weight of the vehicle, it has other things to steady it and support it. It's all a matter of preference really. But it is undisputed that the 88-00 civics definately have more aftermarket support thatn 2001+ civics. Hope this helped. __________________