Honda Civic Sport vs EX 2023

1. Performance

The 2023 Honda Civic Sport can be said to have the best acceleration capabilities compared to its brother, the SI 2023 Honda Civic, or its previous production. The 2.4 engine of the Honda Civic Sport can offer an 8-second time difference to reach 100 km/h in the lower speed and the top speed. With its great handling on non-smooth roads, the Honda Civic 2006 will be a good choice for those who do rally races. A semi-manual transmission can also be used to enhance the acceleration capabilities. This car could be highly improved in terms of acceleration capabilities compared to its production between 2001 – 2005. Semi-manual transmission is also used in the EX version engine, and the top is the SI. The simple difference is that it uses a 5-shift gear, unlike the SI. This car is currently using a 1.8-liter engine, so the value of its acceleration capabilities may be lower compared to a 2.0 engine. In the test done, this car needs only 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h in the top speed, and it's quite a good result for a car using a 1.8 engine. So the Honda Civic 2006 is still a better car compared to its challenger. (Orjuela, 2023)

Acceleration capabilities or the ability of the car to move from a rest position or from a slow speed to a higher speed or even the top speed must be properly performed in the Honda Civic's engine. These capabilities depend on the value generated from the power and torque of the engine and also from the transmission used. Typically, a good acceleration car will have a difference of 0.8 – 1 second to reach 100 km/h in speed between the top speed and the low speed/getting start.

The first difference is the engine. The 2023 Honda Civic Sport is using a 1.5-liter engine compared with 1.8 liters of the engine EX 2023 Honda Civic. The Sport 1.5-liter engine can offer power up to 182 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The body of the engine will also be more compact, as can be proved by the horsepower/engine output per liter of the Honda Civic SI's engine, which is the highest in its class in 2006. The engine of the Honda Civic Sport will have an advantage of better gas consumption compared to when it is using a 2.0 engine. Meanwhile, the EX 2023 Honda Civic, which is using a 1.8-liter engine, can offer power up to 138 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. A common feature of the two engines is that both are using a SOHC (Single Overhead Cam). According to the test results we got from Honda's test, there is a difference in gas consumption between the Honda Civic Sport and Honda Civic EX. The Honda Civic Sport has better gas consumption compared to the Honda Civic in both city roads and highways.

1.1. Engine power

The new sport comes with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine that sends 158 hp and 138 lb/ft to the front wheels. This is the same engine as previous years and initially the same as the ex. Honda claims, however, that the car now has an increased low-end torque. A feature that is not usually found in naturally aspirated engines. It is most noticeable by the difference in hp and torque between r18 and K20 civics. Although the added torque is greatly appreciated by driving enthusiasts, many were disappointed at the lack of the K-series engine that was swapped out with the R-series in the 8th gen civics. The R18 is no doubt a great engine in terms of fuel efficiency and consistency with Honda's reliable reputation, it just doesn't compare to the power and potential of the K-series engine. Stepping into an EX, horsepower increases to 174 hp and 162 lb/ft torque thanks to the single-overhead camshaft 16-valve i-VTEC R16 and adding an extra gear in the automatic transmissions. Despite the heavier weight of the 10th gen civics as compared to the 8th and 9th, the increased power-to-weight ratio will give the EX a significant advantage over the new sport.

1.2. Acceleration capabilities

Beneath the hood of each type of the 2023 Honda Civic model lies a 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine, however there's quite a distinction in how the power gets to the wheels. The EX is meant to be a efficient vehicle so it comes with a naturally aspirated engine whereas the Sport Model features a turbocharged engine, giving the sport model an advantage in acceleration if not really power. Time and time again it has been proven that the turbocharged engine can generate more force and power than continuously using a naturally aspirated engine, with less effort and a smaller engine displacement. So this makes an honest comparison between these two types of engines in terms of fuel economy powerful acceleration in favor of the turbocharged engine. Anyone who was modifying an engine and increasing its power output for an extensive amount of time would know that increasing the power of an engine leads to an increased tendency to consume fuel. Thus during the time of the development of the turbocharged engine, engineers were also creating ways to increase fuel economy. Hence the modern turbo engine was born. In a period where Honda is moving towards safer and shockingly electric cars. It's true that this type of engine won't be around forever, so the sport model that features a turbocharged engine will be seen as a long-term investment, and also a relic for the next generation of drivers who feel nostalgic or have an addiction to ICE vehicles.

2. Features

Interior Amenities: The EX beats the Sport in terms of interior amenities. It has a push-button start, so you do not have to physically take the key out to start the engine, a remote engine start in case you want to start the engine to get the car warmed up or cool it down before you enter, and a smart entry system to unlock the car door without taking out the key. The EX also has automatic climate control, as compared to the manual air conditioning of the Sport. (Fonti et al., 2023)

Safety features: All Honda Civic models come with Honda Sensing technologies for safety. Honda Sensing is designed to make driving safer and less tiring by having the car help you sense things you might miss while driving on the road. Honda Sensing includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Lane Keeping Assist System. Other safety features include advanced compatibility engineering body structure to enhance protection and crash compatibility in a frontal collision, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assist with traction control, side curtain airbags, and front and side airbags.

Infotainment system: The Civic Sport has a 7-inch color touchscreen display, while the EX has a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system. Both of these systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can still have your music, contacts, and more with you. The Sport's system uses 8 speakers, compared to the 180-watt audio system on the EX sedan. If audio quality is more important to you, then the Sport is a better choice. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is only offered on the EX-L Navi model. So, if you need an in-built navigation in the car and do not want to use your smartphone, you will need to buy the EX-L Navi model.

2.1. Infotainment system

The EX trim comes standard with an upgraded infotainment system. This is a seven-inch touch-screen display, which is a great deal more gadgety than the five-inch display. This system runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These are functions which allow you to use certain apps from your phone, through the infotainment system. For example, you can access Spotify on the touch-screen and control music playback through it, rather than taking your phone out of your pocket. This adds to both convenience and the safety of your driving. These are features which are not available at all on the base model. Unfortunately, there are no additional speakers that come with this advanced system, still leaving you with four speakers. The Sport trim's infotainment system is the same as the LX. Although this is functional, it's a bit disappointing when you consider that the EX has both more advanced features and a nicer display. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can still be used and actually play through the system with slightly better audio due to higher-rated speakers. This infotainment system may be considered more of a basic best, but the advantage is in the additional features explained in the next section.

2.2. Safety features

The reason for buying a car with a good safety rating should be obvious. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 13,000 lives a year could be saved if everyone was driving the safest car in its class. Safety is a high priority in the current generation Civic, so both the EX and Sport have identical safety features. This category includes Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and LED Daytime Running Lights. These baseline safety features are tagging along with top-of-the-line dependability. A new feature to the 2023 Civic is "Honda Sensing," which includes a variety of different specifications to provide driver-assistance, security, and safety protection in a multitude of driving circumstances. Some of these features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, and Low-Speed Follow. All of these Honda Sensing features are standard to both the EX and Sport Civic. So in layman's terms, the safety category is a tie since the 2023 iteration of the Civic has an abundance of features for consumers looking for a safe car to drive.

2.3. Interior amenities

Front-seat passengers can enjoy a standard 8-way power driver's seat. Every Civic boasts improved rear seat legroom versus the previous generation; EX and Touring trims benefit from 2 additional inches of legroom. Available interior amenities include a 10.2-inch all-digital driver's display, dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver's seat, heated front and rear, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an electric parking brake, and Smart Start push button start. EX and Touring trims utilize an electronic parking brake system, freeing up space for an innovative stowaway center console. The new console offers center console armrest storage, a 2-level storage tray, and a tablet/smartphone holder, designed to accommodate several sizes of electronic devices. Heated front seats are also an added comfort feature on the 2022+ Civic. The system now has High/Low settings with an automatic shut-off function. In the rear, Civic provides more space thanks to an elongated wheelbase (+1.4 inches) and wider body (+0.5 inches). Honda boasts rear outboard seat passengers will enjoy class-leading rear legroom. A power sunshade is available on the Civic Touring trim and will provide rear passengers with added comfort and sun glare protection. (Announced, 1966)

3. Exterior Design

A competently sporty version of the Civic, both the Sport and Si trims come with a center-mounted exhaust, larger 18-inch wheels, and exclusive front and rear styling compared to other trims of the 2022 Civic. The LX and Sport trims come with hubcaps and a compact spare, which can be had in a 17-inch size for a more cost-effective replacement down the line. The EX, EX-L, and Touring trims come with 19-inch wheels, but no spare tire, the Touring going as far as equipping Michelin "Can Selfseal" tires relying entirely on roadside assistance in case of a flat tire. Depending on how you feel about hubcaps, the 19-inch wheels on the top trims may or may not be a selling point. Coined "solid wing face," the new 2022 Civic has a more tightly styled, futuristic fascia, as opposed to the wide-opened, aerodynamic impression that was the 10th generation Civic. The Sport and Si trims are emphasized by a "retro compact" appearance; and exclusive to the Si trim of the 11th generation, a Type R inspired wing spoiler. One of the most apparent changes in the 11th generation Civic is the abandonment of the fastback design that the Civic boasted back in its 10th generation refresh. The 2022 Civic sedan has been modified to appear a little wider, longer, and lower, and a more horizontal beltline gives the car a truly more compact car look. The most evident visual difference between the EX and the rest of the 11th generation Civic trims is that it avoids the Sport Si specific trims, highlighting a more luxurious aesthetic with its increased use of chrome and LED lighting surrounding the grille and side windows.

3.1. Body styling

A couple of upscale touches have been added to the exterior of the Civic. Chrome accents around the windows and trim can be found on all four sides, and adding to the sporty theme, the door handles have a gloss black setup. All these revamps are topped with a new set of 18-inch wheel designs for each trim. For the Sport, the wheel is a low-gloss Shark Grey setup in a 10-spoke design, whereas the EX is granted a split style and low-gloss near-black set of the same size dimensions.

As anticipated, both vehicles share the same coupe-like, five-door hatch style as their predecessor. The more aggressive-styled Sport differentiates itself from the more modest EX with gloss black power side mirrors and the addition of a center exhaust. LED fog lights and a moonroof remain exclusive to the EX model. There is no mention of the introduction of a high-profile spoiler unique to the Sport model, which implies that it will be a carryover part supplied by the aftermarket from the previous generation.

3.2. Wheel options

The 2023 Honda Civic Sport offers diverse wheel options from the previous model with sales prices from $30,900. These new choices get started with an 18" wheel for the Canadian models that appears to be a safe wheel design in the Asian market. The wheel is a 10-spoke dual-level design that likely looks better in person than the factory press shot seen below. Also observed on the front of the vehicle is the odd dog dish hubcap in the middle of a sport model, an interesting move considering it also features aluminum alloy for the remaining edge of the wheel. Whether or not this will be an alternative to a full alloy wheel or a factory mistake is hard to say. Accessories such as this are usually optional, but the press pictures also show a full alloy 18" spin-off of the base design. Another option displayed in prototype form at the Honda booth at the show was a set of 19" bronze Mugen GP wheels. This likely signifies a shift in Mugen's future plans for Civic tuning. For more details on these wheels, check out the Mugen coverage later in this article.

3.3. LED lighting

The LED lighting is another practical feature found on the Honda Civic EX. Just like the rest of the world, I've found myself over the past few years coming to really like and want LED lights for both the interior and exterior on any car that I drive. Why? Because they make a car look new and modern. And on the outside, LED lighting lasts much longer than traditional bulbs, providing a better-lit environment around your vehicle and looking better doing it. On the Honda Civic Sport, you only get LED lighting with the fog lights. This is unfortunate for it's a nice little feature but honestly not one that is making too much of a difference in the safety of driving at nighttime. The LED lighting package on the Honda Civic EX provides LED lights for both the headlights and the taillights. This is definitely the better package of the two available. With the headlights lighting your way and the taillights letting others see you, it's an important safety upgrade from the traditional bulbs.

4. Pricing and Options

Honda Civic Sport 2023 starts with a base price of $23,100 while the EX starts at $24,700. This denotes the price difference of $1,600 from the beginning, and creates a margin for the following options and accessories. Moving on, the optional packages are very similar on both the Sport and EX. The Honda Sensing package and the Premium Audio package are offered on both models. This includes the navigation system, where the Garmin navigation application is installed in the 7" Display Audio touch-screen. Pricing is to be determined later on the availability of the packages. Honda Sensing already comes with a price of $1,000 and the Premium Audio was $1,300 extra on the 2012 Civics. The main difference is that the pricing is greater on the Honda Civic EX for the same exact packages with the lesser Civic Sport. This is due to the fact that the price of the Civic EX is already greater than the Civic Sport, and this creates a margin for Honda and more profit from the sales of the EX models. Lastly, the additional accessories that may be installed to the vehicle may differ in price from the different models but the actual price of the accessories are the same. The only difference in total price comes from the fact that the EX model adds on an extra 8% to the price for the accessories in order to install them, which is about $200 more than the Sport model. Honda claims that the reason for the added price is due to the fact that the accessories are factory installed, and this will uphold better condition and operation of the vehicle, along with easier maintenance from the dealers as compared to installing the accessories through the dealer.

4.1. Base price comparison

Based price for Honda Civic EX varies from that of the base price for the Honda Civic Sport. It's important to note that the location you are will have a small effect on the cost of the car. While the actual cost will vary, the percentage of the cost for the enhanced models should be largely the same throughout the various areas in the United States and Canada. Excluding any sales or promotions, the percentage increase in cost from the base Honda Civic LX to the enhanced Honda Civic Sport is about 6.7%. The Sport model however, offers $300 incentives and customer savings which help decrease its actual cost, though it's only temporary and might not last very long. The percentage of the increase in cost for the EX model from the base Honda Civic Sport to the enhanced Honda Civic EX is about 8.4%. Unlike the Sport model, the EX model will not have any incentives or customer savings and therefore, the increase in cost is closer to the actual percent.

4.2. Optional packages

The main difference between the two (EX and Si) is the optional packages available to the EX. So while the Si only has one choice of the Si package, the EX is given multiple choices. These are: The Aero Kit Package for $2858 and the Ground Effect Package for $1300. The Aero Kit Package comes with Honda Factory Performance Aero Kit, 17-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels, Michelin Pilot Performance Alpin PA2 Tires, High-Performance Suspension Kit, and a half cover. With the exception of the half cover, everything else in this package can be purchased individually for a similar, if not lower, price. Because of this, I would not recommend the Aero Kit Package. Purchasing the items separately allows you to have a better idea of the cost of each individual item, and you can acquire the items at different times to spread the cost. Also, acquiring multiple items at once limits your options for changing the parts in the future. When the time comes to replace the wheels or tires, you would have to look for a similar price when Honda Factory Performance products are not available, and using these on just the front or rear would not be an option with the suspension. Omitting the high-performance suspension kit from the EX, the aerodynamic parts between the Si and the EX remain the same.

4.3. Additional accessories

In conclusion, both cars have identical pricing excluding a $95 difference due to the coupe, and the nonexistent Sport car cover price. Considering the overlap in accessories that have the same price, the difference in MSRP between the two cars is made up by the extra accessories of the EX. These premium accessories clearly define the EX as a premium model over the Sport and help to boost the features of it over its predecessors.

Since both cars have the same price for all overlapping accessories, the price of the Sport exclusive car cover seems to not have been considered in the package pricing. Additionally, the Sport is the only Civic model to receive Type R exclusive accessories. The fact that both Civics have the same pricing for the overlapping accessories suggests that the pricing was a copy paste for any given item. Given the price of some of these items for both Civics, it seems that Honda charges these accessories come at a cost of between 5-20% of the car's MSRP. This accessory pricing may not fare too well in the world of Civic tuning yards, since they could probably get similar parts for the same money and have the OEM parts to boot. This can be said especially for the Sport with its many Type R accessories, which usually mirror the MSRP of the standard variant.

Some things that the Sport has that do not overlap with the EX include the Type R pedals and the Sport specified car cover. The EX does not have any exclusive accessory with the Sport, however, the EX does have a few exclusive accessories. Some of these exclusive accessories for the EX are: (Type R) sport pedals including the (automatic) footrest, (Type R) valve stem caps, (MV-Touring) car cover, and the (Type R) wheel locks sets.

This pair of vehicles has many overlapping options. Some of these include: deep illuminated door sills, door visors, gold emblem kit, chrome lower door garnish, dual USB charger - 2.5V, engine block heater, first aid kit, illuminated console, interior illumination, puddle light, and trunk tray. Each of these has the same price for the accessory.

References:

Orjuela, C. (2023). The 'ideal citizen'abroad: Engaging Rwanda's young generation diaspora. Globalizations. tandfonline.com

Fonti, F., Ross, J. M., & Aversa, P. (2023). Using sports data to advance management research: A review and a guide for future studies. Journal of Management. sagepub.com

Announced, H. Q. (1966). New Hall Under Construction·--t. Chronicle [October 14. stcloudstate.edu