Need info about 96 scort!

I have a 96 escort lx with a 1.9 SFI engine, i need to know whats the difference between this and the 1.8, which is better and where can i find good performance parts? i have 85K miles and the engine is basically stock so im new at this and looking forward to spruce up my car and get into showstyle and performance. thanks.

Im partial to the 1.9 without the valve to piston interferance. That way when your timing belt breaks you don't trash your engine