ser vs ser specv

As u can probably tell i drive a civic(96) and im not really happy with the car over all , so im looking at a few new ones and the SER being 1 of them. (i really like the look of it) iv read here that the SpecV responds well to mods, im woundering if the SER it self will respond just as well?
plz correct me if im wrong but is the only differance between the cars the 10hp or so and the 6 speed vs 5 speed?. and some interior stuff
i live in Canada and the starting prices seem to be $19,000 SER and $21,000 SpecV. [i will need a loan so tell it will be worth it :)]
Other cars im looking at r the Lancer (dont know model b/c they r not in canada yet) and MAYBE the focus ZX3.
Any comments on my other choices? yes, no, stay away sorta thing


P.S. i would like to stay under $20,000 so i can mod but if the SpecV is really worth it i will go over
thx alot for all your help!

Well for one, IMO the lancer is ugly and slow...the evo vii however is another story :) As far as the differences b/w the ser and spec-v there are a lot more than what you mentioned. Heres a list, there may be things that aren't listed, I'm just grabbing it off the top of my head

ser:
open differential or vlsd, not sure which, heard arguments both ways
16" alloys found on the SE w/ 195 tires
5-spd
165hp (claimed)

spec-v:
hlsd (better than vlsd)
17" w/ 215 tires
6-spd
175hp (claimed)
much stiffer suspension
different interior

all in all, the spec is faster and can handle much better stock, if you plan on upgrading the suspension anyway this doesn't make much difference because aftermarket will be better than both setups. With intake and exhaust the ser and spec dyno the same (ive seen one example, not necessarily true all the time) so if you plan on doing those mods then the 10hp difference will be made up. After that its just up to your preference on the interior and 5-spd vs 6-spd. If you plan on doing a lot of modding, the ser is a better bang for the buck, if you plan on leaving the car mostly stock then the spec-v is for you

For mods i was gunna start with i/h/e and lower it, then down the road when i learn more about cars i would like to do more with it.
I think im gunna wait till after winter to get it which will give me lots of time to research everything and learn also ill be able to save up a bit more money.
Thx for the help man!

I saw you were looking at the focus. Don't. The quality is crap. Check out this site if you don't believe me.

www.autosafety.org/pressreleases/FordFocus.htm

Nissan is number 2 in quality from Japan (after Toyota).

hey LiquidSilverSpecV thx for that site,
i just crossed focus and pretty much any ford off my list =]
thx again