Accord or Civic, just starting out which to choose?

[srdjs1]

I want to build a project car using and older either accord or civic but don't know which to choose since I have never done this before and would love to get some advice from owners of each!
Thanks,
Joe

[knorsk]

I'd go Accord with an H22 prelude Sir/Type S or whatever it is. I think it is around 220 HP and 197 TQ give or take. If automatic the Accord tranny should hold out for a while. I personally like Accords because they are a little more luxurious because they are large and wide and you can throw on pretty big rims without having to worry about rubbing the wheel wells.

Although If you go civic there are plenty of motor swaps that can be done and there are plenty of parts and accessories. I'm not sure what the best motor to throw in there would be. But around were I live tricked out civics are a dime a dozen, I think I'm one of the only people in my town that actually made the Accord look nice. No body kits or anything, just a type r lower valance, open front grill, and 17 rims with a 2.25 drop and some performance struts. I personally like the handling of the Accords over the civics.

actually tell me what kind of project you are looking into. Is it all motor/show/handling/all around?

[srdjs1]

I want to build a clean, higher yet not crazzy hp car so I can beat some of the iddiot ricers that are nothing but big wings and stickers around here, and occasionally beat my best freind in his stock mazda protage' (SP?).
Not really a show car per se but a nice car with an original paint job, maybe maybe not add a body kit, possibly thinking about getting a factory rebuilt vtech engine and getting a basic car so I can swap out the engine for the vtech and add a cold air intake beter exsaust, better ignition system, oil cooler, and high out put alternator. Put in either a 5 or 6 speed manual tranni. and a good yet not too big or overdone sound system. Basically looking to build a good driver that stands out, I wil also swap out the head and tail lights, euro tails and hid headlights with clear corners with the led bulbs instead and possibly add a street glow led package later on.
I just want to build a good powered car that looks good runs good sounds good but not like a fart or old beer can but thaqt I may down the road in a few years want to turn into a show car. I really like the though of swapping out the original engine for a factory rebuilt vtech and adding what I mentioned above but then again I am like brand new to all of this so what would you suggest?
Thanks

[srdjs1]

the possability of a sleeper also comes to mind.

[knorsk]

that's what my car is. It's a 1997 honda accord lowered with 17's. You can tell it has an intake but no one knows it cas cam gears and pulleys and hopefully some other bolt ons in the near future. I also did a fair share of removing some curb weight. Not too much noticable stuff but about 150lbs.

Maybe a semi-old civic Si the ones that were kinda light and conservative looking but packed I think 160 Hp

Go here to look at some different Honda Engines that came in different makes/models and different years

http://www.dork.com/benji/Engines.html

[srdjs1]

I wonder if you could fit a B16B engine into an older say 1996ish civic?

[Vtec]

Civic hatch with turbo'd b18c

[abstract821]

im probably just being biased, but i'd go with an accord. any from 93-97. There are just too many civics on the road now. You don't see a whole lotta older accords with exterior accessories or mods under the hood....just my opinion

[97civichx]

I'd say go with the civic. It's more lightweight and I just like they better. parts would be easier to find and theres a lot of engine options to choose from for swaps. if you did choose and accord i'd definitely only go with the coupes. sedans suck

[sp3cial_bl3nd]

i've had a civic and an accord and i would have to point you towards an accord. they're a lot roomier and they're starting to develop more aftermarket products for the 94-97 generation. either way you'll probably be satisfied.

[David Kang]

To knorsk

I read your post and you said that u reduced your weight around 150lbs. I was just wondering what you took out for reduce that much weight. Juss courious. And to the writer of this topic, I say go with the Accord because like some people said, it has more room, and it is very reliable. Besides, if you get a civic then there is a good chance that you might look like some of the other Honda Civic owners out there. There is not too many Accord owners so...and also they are developing more aftermarket parts for the Accord so I think if you go with the Accord you will be happier then with a Civic. NO DISS TO ANY CIVIC OWNERS! CIVICS ARE VERY GOOD CARS! lol

[srdjs1]

Sorry I have not been on for a while got alot of crap goin on.
Anyway I have decided to go with an accord I was just in a freinds and it just seemed more comfortable it seems to have more room for what I have decided to build and that would be a good handling show car.
Any pointers as to how or where to start?
Thanks again to you all for the advice!
P.S. It will probably be either a 96 or 97 coupe. I don't like 4 doors no offense to those who have 4 doors I just dont think they look as clean.
Joe