[TerminalVelocity]

ZX2

Curb Weight (lbs.) 2478 (Manual Transmission)
Engine 2.0L DOHC 16V Zetec I-4
Horsepower @ rpm 130 @ 5750
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 127 @ 4250
Fuel System Sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection
Transaxles Standard 5-speed manual transaxle
Optional electronic 4-speed automatic
Front Suspension Independent, with gas-charged hydraulic MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension Independent, with gas-charged hydraulic MacPherson struts, multi-link design with stabilizer bar
MSRP $13,330 - $14,830

Civic Si

Curb Weight (lbs.) 2744
Engine 1.7 (1998 cc) DOHC 16V i-VTEC
Horsepower @ rpm 160 @ 6500
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 132 @ 5000
Fuel System Multi Point Programmed Fuel Injection
Transaxles 5 Speed close ratio
Front Suspension Toe-controll MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension reactive-link doubble wishbone
MSRP $19,460.00

The Zx2 has somewhat less power, but it also weighs several hundred pounds less, both should handle about the same, and both have many mods out there to make them faster. I would go for the focous (sp) over the Escort, but maby thats just me. The Si is also alot more money, and this is the very base model, no bells or thrills. The Zx2 is 14,830 with everything. Infact, the Civic with NOTHING, and I mean not even a tape player with your radio, is -DX Manual Transmission
$12,810.00- I do prefer how the civic looks, and the interior, but thats all I can give it.