Tell him not to feel too bad...On the scheme of things, Civics are slow, they're built mostly as thrifty, cut-above-entry-level compact sedan/coupes. The quickest factory Civic, the new SI on a good day 'might' crack 6 seconds going 0-60. Any other stock Civic (DX, LX, EX) & from any year will be running slower than 8 seconds (0-60). Keep in mind that Hondas represent the world's largest 'tuner' market, and lots of go-fast parts are available. I've seen a Civic run the 1/4 mile in the 10 second category (YouTube), but that's gotta be with an incredible amount of turbo boost + NOS, and with a racing rebuild of the motor. So sure, there are fast civics out there, but they won't last long between rebuilds. The Viper however (for all of Chrylers' quality issues) is street drivable with verified 0-60 times of around 3.7 sec. (either 'Road & Track', or Car &'Driver'& at the hands of a pro & under optimal road conditions). In other words, stock-for-stock, a Viper will just 'smoke' a Civic something beyond embarrasing!