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Hey guys. im looking into getting a 7th Gen Civic...i am definitely looking at the EX over all other base models, but is the LX engine significantly lower than the EX in horsepower? like can you feel a significant difference? Im focused mainly on the EX because of the other features, sunroof, better stereo, split rear folding seats and such, but if worst comes to worst then i might have to settle for a LX, would there be a huge difference in performance?

 
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1/4 mile wise pretty much nothing. LX is better suited for boost. EX jsut has "vtec" which revs a little harder on the higher end.

 
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I usually prefer the EX because of its extras, color matched mirrors, alloy wheels, sunroof 6 speakers, etc.

 
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sweet thanks bro. So the only real differences are the things i listed?

 
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well... the vtec system does give more power higher up in the rev range. once of 4k rpm the ex accellerates slightly faster than the lx version of the engine. however. the vtec system supposly robs some of the lower end torque, so off the line it feels weaker. so overall the lx you will feel more lower rpm grunt while the ex you will have more higher rpm grunt (easier for passing cars than drag racing)

on a different note. the vtec system will get you a lil better gas milage in the city.

but other than that, the other differences are mainly the features. ABS, Moonroof, bigger stablizer bar, stereo, rims, body colored mirrors and wider tires. of course those features vary between year. in 02, the civic got chrome door handles in sedans, 03 rims on ex coupe and such. so the features get better over the years. of course the lx features got better through out the generation too. such as height adjustments, arm rest, cd player, keyless entry and bigger tires.

 
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02 and up the lx had everything the ex offered besides, ABS and vtec head. my buddy just bought an 02 LX not to long ago and its loaded with moonroof, power everything, and the armrest. just still got steelies with hubcaps.

 
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if i had to do it over, i would've gotten a dx. all those features don't amount to much. moonroof rattles and lets more noise in aside from weighing a ton, abs is more trouble than its worth and actually takes longer to stop than regular brakes, vtec is nothing, painted trims you can always buy on ebay for pennies. the only things i would miss (maybe) are power locks and windows.