Decision between '08 Accord & Civic coupe

[flawlssdistortn]

Hey guys,

I just graduated and need a car for a rather lengthy commute to my new job. It's prob gonna be 70/30 highway/city. I'm considering the Civic because it's got great gas mileage, reliable, cool interior, and like $20k. However, the dealer wouldn't let me take it on the highway so I didn't really get a chance to see how that 140hp engine would feel at 70-80mph.

The Accord Coupe (190hp I-4) seems like it would ride smoother and more comfortable at those speeds. Also, obviously the acceleration is gonna be better than the Civic... but *how* much better? The Accord also comes with electronic stability & traction control - would this be a major factor to take into account?

I'm not looking to spend any more than $23k, so I could get a fully loaded Civic or a base Accord. Any insight you guys can provide is much appreciated!

 

[zerocool84]

I would rather take a fully loaded Civic than a bare bones Accord.

Also the extra power of the Accord is off-set by the extra weight. I see that the Civic ranges from 2500-2800lbs and the Accord ranges from 3200-3500lbs.

 

[senseamp]

Tell the dealer no highway test drive, no deal.
I guess it depends how big and heavy you are, but for long commute, pick the most economical car that you are still comfortable in for long trips. If you are comfortable in a Civic, you'll save a few grand upfront and a couple bucks a day in gas alone with your commute. As far as image, both Accord and Civic are both pretty much appliances to me, coupe or sedan, so I would pick a sedan for practicality.

 

[flawlssdistortn]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Tell the dealer no highway test drive, no deal.
I guess it depends how big and heavy you are, but for long commute, pick the most economical car that you are still comfortable in for long trips. If you are comfortable in a Civic, you'll save a few grand upfront and a couple bucks a day in gas alone with your commute. As far as image, both Accord and Civic are both pretty much appliances to me, coupe or sedan, so I would pick a sedan for practicality.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go to a different dealership and maybe they'll let me take the car for a longer drive. Although how does the insurance work - if I wreck the car somehow is it on me or will it be covered by their insurance?

I will agree, they're not the hottest cars out there, but the coupes kinda look a bit sportier while still being practical for me. For a while I was in love with the Tiburon, I think it's just a beautiful car... Unfortunately the ride isn't so smooth, the v6 is a bit loud, and it's pretty weak @ only 172hp.

 

[shocksyde]

I can't believe the dealer wouldn't let you go on the highway. That's pretty unusual.

As an Accord owner, I'd say a Civic is in your best interest due to the commute. You'll thank yourself as gas continues to go up. I chose the Accord, but my round-trip commute is 3.6 miles.

 

[BassBomb]

CSX (Canada only I believe)

is like the midway between those cars. It has 2.0L similar to the Si but not tuned out.

155 HP does mileage almost as good as the Civic

 

[DivideBYZero]

140hp is plenty for highway cruising.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
I would rather take a fully loaded Civic than a bare bones Accord.

Also the extra power of the Accord is off-set by the extra weight. I see that the Civic ranges from 2500-2800lbs and the Accord ranges from 3200-3500lbs.

How loaded can a civic get? Sunroof and navigation...anything else? I like the Civic, although Im not sure what your salary is, if you can afford it, I'd get the Accord. I think it looks great inside and out, and it's larger as well.

 

[evident]

accord coupe is stylish and sexy and a class above the civic. the I-4 has great acceleration and it only got better for the 08 year. I have an 07 and i commute 90% highway, 70 miles a day. I was having the same debate as you last year. go with the accord. if you can find an 07 coupe, get that, as its probably heavily discounted now. I got a fully loaded i4 EX-L w/ spoiler for 21k +TT

gas? the civic does get better gas milage than the accord, but not by much. 31 vs 34 i believe.

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: zerocool84
I would rather take a fully loaded Civic than a bare bones Accord.

Also the extra power of the Accord is off-set by the extra weight. I see that the Civic ranges from 2500-2800lbs and the Accord ranges from 3200-3500lbs.

How loaded can a civic get? Sunroof and navigation...anything else? I like the Civic, although Im not sure what your salary is, if you can afford it, I'd get the Accord. I think it looks great inside and out, and it's larger as well.

The 2008 EX-L models now feature leather, heated seats & heated mirrors too.
I'm not a fan of the built-in navi's but to each their own~

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: zerocool84
I would rather take a fully loaded Civic than a bare bones Accord.

Also the extra power of the Accord is off-set by the extra weight. I see that the Civic ranges from 2500-2800lbs and the Accord ranges from 3200-3500lbs.

How loaded can a civic get? Sunroof and navigation...anything else? I like the Civic, although Im not sure what your salary is, if you can afford it, I'd get the Accord. I think it looks great inside and out, and it's larger as well.

The 2008 EX-L models now feature leather, heated seats & heated mirrors too.
I'm not a fan of the built-in navi's but to each their own~

yea, you're right; I forgot about the new EX-L. I would still rather have an LX Accord than an EX-L civic.

 

[flawlssdistortn]

Thanks for the comments guys! Today I'm gonna go to a dealer that will let me do a bit of highway test driving, and then hopefully I can make a decision in the next couple of days.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: evident
accord coupe is stylish and sexy and a class above the civic. the I-4 has great acceleration and it only got better for the 08 year. I have an 07 and i commute 90% highway, 70 miles a day. I was having the same debate as you last year. go with the accord. if you can find an 07 coupe, get that, as its probably heavily discounted now. I got a fully loaded i4 EX-L w/ spoiler for 21k +TT

gas? the civic does get better gas milage than the accord, but not by much. 31 vs 34 i believe.

3 doesn't look like much, but for every gallon, that is 3 miles. On a 14 gallon tank, 42 miles, ~ 1.5 gallon, so 5 bucks a fillup. At say 450 miles a tank, you'll be filling up every 5 days. 20 bucks a month is nice. If he say shoves it towards his retirement, it'll build up to be a lot.

 

[maddogchen]

go for the civic, or a used accord.

 

[lurk3r]

For an 80 mile commute with gas over $4 a gallon you should take a hard look at the Fit too. The biggest problem I had with the Civic was lack of headroom, so can't really comment, but I did actually get into a Fit, and the paddle shift was mildly entertaining. (I'm 6'4")

 

[LTC8K6]

The Civic with the 5 speed auto has the best hwy mileage of the two, rated 25/36. Not counting hybrids. Accord doesn't even approach those numbers.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: lurk3r
For an 80 mile commute with gas over $4 a gallon you should take a hard look at the Fit too. The biggest problem I had with the Civic was lack of headroom, so can't really comment, but I did actually get into a Fit, and the paddle shift was mildly entertaining. (I'm 6'4")

the civic and fit get the same hwy mileage pretty much. the civic would fare better in an accident too since it is bigger too. my vote still goes for the 4cyl accord coupe for a long commute. it is a compromise of style, fuel economy and comfort

 

[RagingBITCH]

You're going to get better gas mileage with the Civic. I'd rather drive the Accord hands down though.

 

[Ktulu]

The difference in acceleration between the Accord and Civic on the hwy will barely be noticed. Their fuel economy however will be very distinct. I'd take the Civic for commuting and never look back.

 

[Aharami]

also look at the Fit and the Yaris. much cheaper than the Civic, but much more economical too. IMO those are the best new commuter cars

 

[yelo333]

I've got a 5 speed '07 Civic. I'm not normally glancing at the speedo when accelerating, but I think 75mph is nearing the top of 3rd. It's not snap-your-neck style acceleration, but 3rd is plenty fast up at the top. I've never timed it, but my best guess would be that it takes about 4 seconds to get from 55 to 75 mph in 3rd.

You're also getting near the powerband of 4th at 75mph, so you'll be doing 85 in no time.

Oh, and your dealer should let you take it on the highway. There are plenty of honda dealerships, though, so why not just call up another for a test drive? IMHO, don't cut off communication with your current one -- it's helpful to play them against each other when negotiating.

Really, 140HP is plenty. If you're concerned about gas mileage. However, you won't get great gas mileage at 70-80mph in any car. I'd guesstimate that I would probably be getting ~30-32mpg at those speeds since I'm a consistent 36 at 55-60 and ~34 at 65.

 

[necine]

Get a loaded civic... use the internet quote. I have one great car. Although if I could do it again, I think I'd get the sedan.

I have an 08 civic coupe

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: yelo333
I've got a 5 speed '07 Civic. I'm not normally glancing at the speedo when accelerating, but I think 75mph is nearing the top of 3rd. It's not snap-your-neck style acceleration, but 3rd is plenty fast up at the top. I've never timed it, but my best guess would be that it takes about 4 seconds to get from 55 to 75 mph in 3rd.

You're also getting near the powerband of 4th at 75mph, so you'll be doing 85 in no time.

Oh, and your dealer should let you take it on the highway. There are plenty of honda dealerships, though, so why not just call up another for a test drive? IMHO, don't cut off communication with your current one -- it's helpful to play them against each other when negotiating.

Really, 140HP is plenty. If you're concerned about gas mileage. However, you won't get great gas mileage at 70-80mph in any car. I'd guesstimate that I would probably be getting ~30-32mpg at those speeds since I'm a consistent 36 at 55-60 and ~34 at 65.

If you didn't know the automatics are also 5 speed

 

[flawlssdistortn]

My main thing right now is that I want to compare the riding quality and comfort, since I'll be spending a lot of time commuting in it. I don't want to end up fatigued after a long drive. The Accord seems like it will ride smoother and accelerate better at speeds of 70-80mph, but if the Civic is not that far behind in those things, then I'd probably get that based on it's fuel economy, lower depreciation, and lower cost. Civic owners, please tell me how it feels to drive for lengthy periods of time.

 

[necine]

Originally posted by: flawlssdistortn
My main thing right now is that I want to compare the riding quality and comfort, since I'll be spending a lot of time commuting in it. I don't want to end up fatigued after a long drive. The Accord seems like it will ride smoother and accelerate better at speeds of 70-80mph, but if the Civic is not that far behind in those things, then I'd probably get that based on it's fuel economy, lower depreciation, and lower cost. Civic owners, please tell me how it feels to drive for lengthy periods of time.

Feels fine man... seriously it's an awesome car. I got one and then 2 other people in my department got one within a month after they saw mine + rising gas costs. It's seriously the best deal out there.