Need some info from the seasoned, please

6MT · 10-06-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KainZ

Hello All,

I'm brand new to the forums as a participating member, been reading for a couple months now. Still fairly new to the whole car seen, so my knowledge base is lets say still growing, heh.

Although the issue I'm having is I'm looking between a 2011 Honda Civic Si Coupe and the current 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe (I'm aware the 2011 is coming soon and will probably be looking at that as it comes closer to my time of actually laying the money down on the table).

Which ever car I buy I'm looking at putting a turbocharger for my FI mod. And possibly building the engine as I go and money becomes available to do it.

However, I'm not clear on which vehicle would get the best response from the above mentioned mod and my hard earned cash. I'm really liking the Z and as many have already stated there are Civics in every garage for miles. I do like the prestige that not everyone has a Z. So it's definitely winning me over in the looks category.

I'm currently overseas in Iraq and going home on R&R leave this month and wanting to probably test drive the Z. (As I've already driven a boosted Civic Si 09). What's making the choice hard, is my best friend is a Honda nut from A-Z, no real issue there. Just all the advice he gives is that Honda is the best and that any other choice is rubbish or won't see the same returns for the same mods/money spent. And a few other friends are in the other category that the 370Z and other cars are more appealing and can give the same numbers (whp).

Except it's not all about WHP at the moment, as the new car will replace my daily driver for awhile. I want something I'm not going to feel embarrassed about being seen in. My best friend wants me to buy a used Civic to save money for a turbo kit and I told him the last few we looked at a year ago were gutted and ravaged inside and out, and his response was "but they had built engines and could easily have a boost kit installed". I had to remind him the interior was crap or gone, the engine has no emissions equipment on it, so I'd have to get that added before going to the DMV and I really don't feel like inheriting someone else problems for my next car.

I know I've read that a few members are ex-Civic (or Honda) owners, and I'm really looking to see what the comparable differences are. I mean I can look at the spec's and see the obvious, but what about power to handling between the two? Overall feel between them? Speed and whp gains through mods? I'm already assuming mods for the Z will be more then the Honda, I'm not really concerned about this aspect, as I'm not looking to do it all right away but step by step as I learn more about cars in general and the 370Z as I went along modding it.

Well if you're still reading this long winded post, I thank you for your endurance and hope to get some honest feedback that can help with this choice, thanks in advance.

Kain

ps. sorry if this seems really silly.

I have to agree, the SI is a great car. BUT.... there is only so much you can do with FWD (IMHO). That is why I moved from my 2008 Accord V6 coupe to the RWD 370. I'll never look back. Although the Honda was/is a great car, I can't see a "puller" doing the same handling as the RWD 370. You may get some people disagreeing.... but for me, RWD is the way to go.

Jeffblue · 10-06-2010, 04:28 PM

From a purely asthetic perspective, if you want someting nice, the Z hands down. people don't look at civic si's any differently than a civic ex etc. I've gotten waves and nods from people in porsche 911's etc. The civic SI is the sporty version of a 2 door version of a 4 door subcompact economy car. The Z is a sports car that has a history, and has evolved and every generation is unique, while improving upon the last. the evolution of the civic is that it has managed to get progressively less shitty each new model year.

RWD>FWD
2 seater sports car vs4 seater coupe
power and great handling vs fuel economy

Not to be overly critical of your friend, but he sounds like a bit of a honda fanboy. you make it seem like he says 'honda w/ mods=better than anything' not true. I'm no Z fanboy. if you were talking about Z vs getting a cheap supra and modding the **** out of it, i'd say, whatever you want, both will be awesome cars, but civics not really anything to get excited about. i can wholeheartedly say that i would rather have a Z over some 500-800whp civic with full mods, even if it was tasteful.

Theres a ton of other cars you can get for cheap and turn into a really great project car that will get great performance AND looks to boot. nissan 240sx, 03/04 mustang cobra, toyota supra, 300zx, subaru wrx STI, Lancer EVO, even a 350z can be had for pretty cheap. if you want a new car, get the Z. If you want a project car, i can go on naming a bunch of other cars that have way more potential than a civic SI.

so do you want a project car or a new car?

KainZ · 10-06-2010, 04:30 PM

Heh, getting the Si for less tickets isn't really an issue for me. But thank you for the concern.

@Waaaasabi:
It's actually complicated, but simple version is, I got out of the Army a year ago and they recalled me back to go to Iraq for a year. Yay!

The 370Z is what I was looking at from the start. The Civic was just one that was throw on the table as an alternative by my friend. So in all honesty, I was 90% sure I was getting the Z when I go home for good. I just wanted the 10% of "what if" in the back of my mind blown away, and thankfully you've done that in one fell-swoop, heh.

@m4a1mustang:
Thanks for the appreciation. And by the way I'm a fan of the weapon you chose for your username.

Thanks again to all who posted, I've been reassured I'm buying the right vehicle.

kenchan · 10-06-2010, 04:34 PM

i suppose for a 24yr old guy like yourself either car will do fine. i asked because these 2 completely different cars have its benefits.

4door sedan = family car dd friendly + carry your friends around.

2door sports car = not family friendly, but since you dont sound like you got kids who cares!

if budget is something to consider, check with your insurance agent on wat the rates are. fuel consumption the Z is pretty hungry.

shadoquad · 10-06-2010, 04:35 PM

Hey, KainZ, if it helps your Honda buddies, it would probably be harder to make that choice if they still made the S2000 or NSX.

Jeffblue · 10-06-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Hey, KainZ, if it helps your Honda buddies, it would probably be harder to make that choice if they still made the S2000 or NSX.

word. honda has made some way better cars than the civic si. thats what i was trying to say before. some WAY better modding cars out there than a civic.

waaaasabi · 10-06-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KainZ

@Waaaasabi:
It's actually complicated, but simple version is, I got out of the Army a year ago and they recalled me back to go to Iraq for a year. Yay!

The 370Z is what I was looking at from the start. The Civic was just one that was throw on the table as an alternative by my friend. So in all honesty, I was 90% sure I was getting the Z when I go home for good. I just wanted the 10% of "what if" in the back of my mind blown away, and thankfully you've done that in one fell-swoop, heh.

Hey man, I bought mine after I got back from the 'Stan; you will not regret the gift. I only asked if you wanted to consider factory-FI cars because you also have the choice of picking up a new 335i for ~38k.

You can still buy a Civic for DD purposes

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Hey, KainZ, if it helps your Honda buddies, it would probably be harder to make that choice if they still made the S2000 or NSX.

I'm set on getting a NSX within the next 2 years or so.

Jeffblue · 10-06-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waaaasabi

Hey man, I bought mine after I got back from the 'Stan; you will not regret the gift. I only asked if you wanted to consider factory-FI cars because you also have the choice of picking up a new 335i for ~38k.

You can still buy a Civic for DD purposes

I'm set on getting a NSX within the next 2 years or so.

335i for 38k? where?

waaaasabi · 10-06-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

335i for 38k? where?

BMW has a special program for service members deployed overseas; they offer ridiculous discounts on a lot of their cars. When I was deployed and inquired about the program, they sent me price sheets for the 325 and 335 - I don't remember what options were available for the 335i, but I recall it was ~38k. I'm pretty sure the program is still in place, although the prices may have gone up slightly to proportionately match MSRP increases.

WarmAndSCSI · 10-06-2010, 04:43 PM

Wow, I can honestly say I could have never imagined somebody actually asking this.

The only cars Honda has ever made that even compete in the same league as the 370Z are the NSX and S2000. Not even the Civic Type-R, Integra Type-R, nothing else...

The NSX and 370Z are are very good match-up but the 370Z simply has more power potential, though it is definitely less exotic. The S2000 doesn't even compare as it's completely anemic compared to the 370Z, but it is also a very good car.

I won't even address your Civic question. As people have already described, the only thing it shares in common with the 370Z is that it has 4 wheels and tires.

KainZ · 10-06-2010, 05:12 PM

Alrighty, well you've all given me alot of info, some more slap-stick then I thought I was going to get but it's all for a good cause. Again, didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers about comparing the two cars, as even I with as little knowledge as I have can openly tell these cars are in different leagues. They were just the two options I was currently looking at.

I'm not looking to get into his Honda club. Don't get me wrong they're nice people and all, but I want my car to be for me, not to please someone else. And the 370Z looks and sounds like it's going to be that car for me.

Yeah, no family yet, but when I do the Civic will still be around to buy to take the kids to soccer practice or whatever they're into, if their mother isn't doing that while I race around in my Z. (Just kidding I wouldn't do that to her.)

Again, thanks for all the immediate responses, I had no idea I would get this many this fast, glad to see a very active board. And supportive if not a little tongue and cheek depending on what you ask, heh. It's all good though. I think I've found my new home when I get home in a 370Z.

@Waaaasabi:
When were you in Afghanistan and what branch? If you don't mind me asking.

waaaasabi · 10-06-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KainZ

@Waaaasabi:
When were you in Afghanistan and what branch? If you don't mind me asking.

01/2008 - 05/2009; Army. How about you?

daleks · 10-06-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KainZ

Alrighty, well you've all given me alot of info, some more slap-stick then I thought I was going to get but it's all for a good cause. Again, didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers about comparing the two cars, as even I with as little knowledge as I have can openly tell these cars are in different leagues. They were just the two options I was currently looking at.

I'm not looking to get into his Honda club. Don't get me wrong they're nice people and all, but I want my car to be for me, not to please someone else. And the 370Z looks and sounds like it's going to be that car for me.

Yeah, no family yet, but when I do the Civic will still be around to buy to take the kids to soccer practice or whatever they're into, if their mother isn't doing that while I race around in my Z. (Just kidding I wouldn't do that to her.)

Again, thanks for all the immediate responses, I had no idea I would get this many this fast, glad to see a very active board. And supportive if not a little tongue and cheek depending on what you ask, heh. It's all good though. I think I've found my new home when I get home in a 370Z.

@Waaaasabi:
When were you in Afghanistan and what branch? If you don't mind me asking.

I had a 2007 4-door Civic Si prior to having my 2009 NISMO 370Z. The Honda is a fine car and more versatile. The interior, power, and price definitely put the 370Z in a different league however. In either scenario you're getting what you pay for. Depending on your finances it may be a better move to get the Civic though. One thing to consider is no car is perfect no matter how much you pay. If you're the type that obsesses over things having the cheaper car may give you more peace of mind. You won't go wrong either way.

KainZ · 10-06-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleks

I had a 2007 4-door Civic Si prior to having my 2009 NISMO 370Z. The Honda is a fine car and more versatile. The interior, power, and price definitely put the 370Z in a different league however. In either scenario you're getting what you pay for. Depending on your finances it may be a better move to get the Civic though. One thing to consider is no car is perfect no matter how much you pay. If you're the type that obsesses over things having the cheaper car may give you more peace of mind. You won't go wrong either way.

I'm not really an obsessive person, I just needed some slightly less Honda-biased opinions. And I think I found the right place. As for finances, nah all good on those, being deployed overseas allows for good money saving. Especially, being unmarried with no kids.

sonic370 · 10-06-2010, 06:58 PM

Please don't take this the wrong way.If you have to ask which one of the two is a better car............come on...... 370 hands down in every department,except base sound system....it sucks....

anyway i heard honda makes a hell of a lawn mower...........

10-06-2010, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jeffblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Age: 37 Posts: 9,192 Drives: Z32TT & 335xi Coupe Rep Power: 38	From a purely asthetic perspective, if you want someting nice, the Z hands down. people don't look at civic si's any differently than a civic ex etc. I've gotten waves and nods from people in porsche 911's etc. The civic SI is the sporty version of a 2 door version of a 4 door subcompact economy car. The Z is a sports car that has a history, and has evolved and every generation is unique, while improving upon the last. the evolution of the civic is that it has managed to get progressively less shitty each new model year. RWD>FWD 2 seater sports car vs4 seater coupe power and great handling vs fuel economy Not to be overly critical of your friend, but he sounds like a bit of a honda fanboy. you make it seem like he says 'honda w/ mods=better than anything' not true. I'm no Z fanboy. if you were talking about Z vs getting a cheap supra and modding the **** out of it, i'd say, whatever you want, both will be awesome cars, but civics not really anything to get excited about. i can wholeheartedly say that i would rather have a Z over some 500-800whp civic with full mods, even if it was tasteful. Theres a ton of other cars you can get for cheap and turn into a really great project car that will get great performance AND looks to boot. nissan 240sx, 03/04 mustang cobra, toyota supra, 300zx, subaru wrx STI, Lancer EVO, even a 350z can be had for pretty cheap. if you want a new car, get the Z. If you want a project car, i can go on naming a bunch of other cars that have way more potential than a civic SI. so do you want a project car or a new car? Last edited by Jeffblue; 10-06-2010 at 04:31 PM.

10-06-2010, 04:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
WarmAndSCSI A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 1,671 Drives: '08 Evo X \| '10 370Z Rep Power: 19	Wow, I can honestly say I could have never imagined somebody actually asking this. The only cars Honda has ever made that even compete in the same league as the 370Z are the NSX and S2000. Not even the Civic Type-R, Integra Type-R, nothing else... The NSX and 370Z are are very good match-up but the 370Z simply has more power potential, though it is definitely less exotic. The S2000 doesn't even compare as it's completely anemic compared to the 370Z, but it is also a very good car. I won't even address your Civic question. As people have already described, the only thing it shares in common with the 370Z is that it has 4 wheels and tires. __________________ '10 PW 370Z 7AT - wife's car - Project Raspberry Cheesecake '08 Evo X - built motor+trans \| BB-X @ 32 psi \| CH3OH \| self-built+tuned - ??? WHP '01 Galant V6 - built motor \| GT35R \| self-built+tuned - 550+ WHP (retired)

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10-06-2010, 04:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
KainZ Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 24 Drives: TBD Rep Power: 15	Heh, getting the Si for less tickets isn't really an issue for me. But thank you for the concern. @Waaaasabi: It's actually complicated, but simple version is, I got out of the Army a year ago and they recalled me back to go to Iraq for a year. Yay! The 370Z is what I was looking at from the start. The Civic was just one that was throw on the table as an alternative by my friend. So in all honesty, I was 90% sure I was getting the Z when I go home for good. I just wanted the 10% of "what if" in the back of my mind blown away, and thankfully you've done that in one fell-swoop, heh. @m4a1mustang: Thanks for the appreciation. And by the way I'm a fan of the weapon you chose for your username. Thanks again to all who posted, I've been reassured I'm buying the right vehicle.

10-06-2010, 04:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	i suppose for a 24yr old guy like yourself either car will do fine. i asked because these 2 completely different cars have its benefits. 4door sedan = family car dd friendly + carry your friends around. 2door sports car = not family friendly, but since you dont sound like you got kids who cares! if budget is something to consider, check with your insurance agent on wat the rates are. fuel consumption the Z is pretty hungry.

10-06-2010, 04:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3887	Hey, KainZ, if it helps your Honda buddies, it would probably be harder to make that choice if they still made the S2000 or NSX.

10-06-2010, 05:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
KainZ Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 24 Drives: TBD Rep Power: 15	Alrighty, well you've all given me alot of info, some more slap-stick then I thought I was going to get but it's all for a good cause. Again, didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers about comparing the two cars, as even I with as little knowledge as I have can openly tell these cars are in different leagues. They were just the two options I was currently looking at. I'm not looking to get into his Honda club. Don't get me wrong they're nice people and all, but I want my car to be for me, not to please someone else. And the 370Z looks and sounds like it's going to be that car for me. Yeah, no family yet, but when I do the Civic will still be around to buy to take the kids to soccer practice or whatever they're into, if their mother isn't doing that while I race around in my Z. (Just kidding I wouldn't do that to her.) Again, thanks for all the immediate responses, I had no idea I would get this many this fast, glad to see a very active board. And supportive if not a little tongue and cheek depending on what you ask, heh. It's all good though. I think I've found my new home when I get home in a 370Z. @Waaaasabi: When were you in Afghanistan and what branch? If you don't mind me asking.

10-06-2010, 06:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 19	Please don't take this the wrong way.If you have to ask which one of the two is a better car............come on...... 370 hands down in every department,except base sound system....it sucks.... anyway i heard honda makes a hell of a lawn mower...........