Quote:
Originally posted by Knowledge
Wait just a few more weeks. The new 2002 Civic Si will be here and it shares the same engine as the RSX (Not the Type S but still a DOHC)...
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Originally posted on Edmunds.com
...The current-generation Civic debuted in 2001. We've performed a road test of both the sedan and coupe. The cars generally impressed us, but the enthusiast drivers on our staff complained that
much of the Civic's sporting character was gone. Honda had changed the front double-wishbone suspension to a MacPherson strut design [blah, blah, blah...]
...Honda's main goals in developing the body of the [2002] Civic Si included high rigidity, an energy-absorbing structure and excellent fit and finish. High body rigidity is very important for a sport-oriented car, as it enhances handling by allowing the suspension systems to work more effectively.
...The downside to this rigid body is that it [Oink, Oink!!!] plumps out the car's curb weight considerably. It is listed at 2,744 pounds [YIKES!!!], about 200 to 250 pounds more than one might expect for this size and class of vehicle. For comparison, a 2002 Mini Cooper weighs about 2,480 pounds and a 2002 Ford ZX3 weighs 2,598 pounds.
[Another comparison; that's like carrying one of these in your back seat:]
Want an even more sobering comparison? When new, an '85 Civic S weighed 1,907 pounds and a '91 CRX checked in at 2,175 pounds.
Excess body weight might be good for the bottom line at Metabolife, but for performance cars, it's enemy number one.
[More sobering yet; that's like carrying three of these in your back seat:]
... after driving the car, there's a feeling that the original Si spirit has been overshadowed by Honda's more modern goals of extra room, better safety and additional creature comforts.
The new Si is no longer a willing partner to being whipped around corners. The engine, too, doesn't fit the old mold. Though certainly by design, it doesn't eagerly give off an extra burst of speed like the old VTEC-equipped Civic Si coupe used to.