92-95 Civic Hatch vs. 03 Sentra SE-R

[jcash1995]

My wife Just bought her new car...2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R, automatic, sunburst yellow (not a SPEC-V). My poor old Beretta has just about had it, so this fall I plan to replace it. I'm thinking about looking for a 92-95 Civic hatch w/ 5 speed. I love the new Nissan, but since my wife gets all the driving duties in her new car, I very rarely get to drive it. I know the Civic can look just as good as the SE-R, but can it be comparable in performance. This isn't an "I'm jealous becuase her car can beat my car" question. I just haven't had as much fun driving a car since I sold the 87 Mustang GT.
I have a budget of $7000 u.s. For this budget can I make the Civic just as fun? She also plans to add a CAI and a catback next summer just to add to my frustration


Offtopic: Are the rear seats in the Civic hatch actually useable? I have 2 small children who may see some seat time.

[Ace$nyper]

for 7K you can make a great lil civic real fast even but im sure with you youd like all round great lil car and it still can be done!
and yes you can use the hatch seats the kids will have no prob!