Civic Vs Vios

[ChiangMaiThai]

I know the normal comparison is Civic vs Altis, but how does the Vios S class compare to a mid level Civic? The S class is about 700,000 Baht. The mid level Civic is a little over 800,000. I know which one I think looks better, but is the Civic the truly superior vehicle as far as handling, braking, suspension, power etc. etc etc?

[bino]

I know the normal comparison is Civic vs Altis, but how does the Vios S class compare to a mid level Civic? The S class is about 700,000 Baht. The mid level Civic is a little over 800,000. I know which one I think looks better, but is the Civic the truly superior vehicle as far as handling, braking, suspension, power etc. etc etc?

I can't speak definitively because I haven't driven the latest Civic, but we have recently bought the VIOS. However, I've been a lifelong Honda fan, and owned several. My current car is a 2002 VTEC City. I've always found Honda to be a better performer than the equivalent Toyota- more of a "driver's car" than a Toyota.

The City actually compares quite closely to the VIOS; 1500 cc, VTEC in the Honda, VVT-i in the VIOS. I actually prefer my older car. The VTEC delivers a better rush in that you can feel it coming on and play with it. The VVT is too "intelligent" and smooth. Handling is more confidence inspiring when cornering at speed in the Honda.

Why did we buy the VIOS instead of another Honda? I let Ms. Bino decide- the car was for her and it was what she wanted. (It pays big dividends to keep her happy.) We are happy enough with it, and it is OK to drive, but far from giving (me, anyway) the same grin factor as a Honda.

[ChiangMaiThai]

I know the normal comparison is Civic vs Altis, but how does the Vios S class compare to a mid level Civic? The S class is about 700,000 Baht. The mid level Civic is a little over 800,000. I know which one I think looks better, but is the Civic the truly superior vehicle as far as handling, braking, suspension, power etc. etc etc?

I can't speak definitively because I haven't driven the latest Civic, but we have recently bought the VIOS. However, I've been a lifelong Honda fan, and owned several. My current car is a 2002 VTEC City. I've always found Honda to be a better performer than the equivalent Toyota- more of a "driver's car" than a Toyota.

The City actually compares quite closely to the VIOS; 1500 cc, VTEC in the Honda, VVT-i in the VIOS. I actually prefer my older car. The VTEC delivers a better rush in that you can feel it coming on and play with it. The VVT is too "intelligent" and smooth. Handling is more confidence inspiring when cornering at speed in the Honda.

Why did we buy the VIOS instead of another Honda? I let Ms. Bino decide- the car was for her and it was what she wanted. (It pays big dividends to keep her happy.) We are happy enough with it, and it is OK to drive, but far from giving (me, anyway) the same grin factor as a Honda.

I owned a 2003 Vios S Sporty and was quite happy with it. Fun to drive and never any problems. Sold it now and trying to decide between another Vios or a Civic. Not thrilled with the new Vios body, but I guess I'm more interested in finding out if it makes sense to spend another 100,000 Baht and get a Civic. The new Civics seem to be everywhere. Any other opinions?

[Dave the Dude]

I have driven many Vios hire-cars and also Civics. IMHO both are good cars but the Honda build quality and general performance is far superior to Toyota. Whilst I cannot comment on your specific circumstances, If I had the additional funds I would go Honda Civic. BTW, I am no Honda or Toyota fan but just speak from my personal experiences.

Dave

p.s. Plus ALL Vios look like hire cars especially when near to BKK. I wouldn't like that.

[bino]

One thing I forgot to mention... the Civic that you are interested in would probably be 1800 cc, as opposed to 1500 cc in the VIOS. This has its good and bad points.

Like the muscle car guys used to say, "there is no substitute for cubic inches", so the extra 300 cc will deliver better performance for sure. I don't agree with the muscle car guys anymore- "Volumetric Efficiency" is the modern version. Today's high-revving DOHC multivalve engines with variable cams that are cranking out 70, 80 or more horsepower per liter are definitely better!

The downside is fuel economy. One of Ms. Bino's colleagues recently bought the 1800 cc Civic, upgrading from a (Pre- VIOS) Toyota Soluna. She was astounded by the drastic increase in her fuel costs. (I'm sure that she played a big part in convincing Ms. Bino to get the Toyota instead of a Honda!)

When you think about where fuel prices are going lately, this might bear some consideration. You will save some $$ on the purchase price of the VIOS, and continue saving when you can drive past more service stations!