The good thing about the SI is that you can swap parts with any B series motor minus the 88-91 preludes. The older B16a's dont really make that much power (160hp) or torque. I think it is over-rated. Civics are nice in the sense that they are economical and parts are easy to come by. But they are also very prone to theft. Their stock suspension isnt the best in the Honda line up. S2000 is number one, but only because it's platform came from the Prelude. If you want performance go with either the new SI or the RSX. K series engine have an incredible response to your basic bolt-ons.