SOHC or DOHC?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania, US
Rep Power: 0 
SOHC or DOHC?
As many of you guys know, I am buying my son a new vehicle. I noticed that the 03 Civic EX has the Vtec SOHC engine, and the 03 Corolla LE has the DOHC engine? What is the difference between them? Which car is better suited for a teenager?
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio, US
Rep Power: 0 SOHC - Single Overhead Cam
DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam
It's a pretty safe bet the DOHC is a more powerful engine (I haven't looked at the actual ratings of the Corolla). Honestly it's probably gonna go down to price - both cars are probably gonna be good for a teenager to learn in, both being fwd and such. I guess what kinda dad are you and what is your son like? Does he like to mod cars? Will you LET him mod the car? All good questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam
It's a pretty safe bet the DOHC is a more powerful engine (I haven't looked at the actual ratings of the Corolla). Honestly it's probably gonna go down to price - both cars are probably gonna be good for a teenager to learn in, both being fwd and such. I guess what kinda dad are you and what is your son like? Does he like to mod cars? Will you LET him mod the car? All good questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Canada
Rep Power: 0 The civic is probably better in the looks department. But the corolla engine has a lot more potential than the civic. Corolla has a better reliability rating than the honda civic, and as far as i know there are less problems compared to the 7th gen civics. But really, the corolla needs a facelift in the looks department.
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Rep Power: 0 Toyota Corolla is only available in a four door model, whereas the Civic can be found in either a coupe or foor door. Either car is a good choice for exceptional reliability, safety and fuel economy. For a teenager, my suggestion would be to stay with the four door version of either vehicle, because it would be cheaper to insure than a coupe. Pursuant to insurance industry reports, coupes are preferred by people who want a sporty-looking vehicle and will usually drive them accordingly. However, sedans (with a more subtle appearance) are typically owned by families and are less likely to be used for drag racing. Insurance companies make these adjustments in the premiums based upon statistical driving data and characteristics. Good luck with your decision!!! 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,230
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles (Downey), California, US
Rep Power: 0 
Aren't corollas safer?
In my opinion, buy your kid an RSX base model or Civic EX. I would hate to receive a Corolla from my parents. Corollas are for girls. heh
In my opinion, buy your kid an RSX base model or Civic EX. I would hate to receive a Corolla from my parents. Corollas are for girls. heh
Registered!!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas, US
Rep Power: 0 Are you asking us is one faster than the other? Well, anyways. Do not get a Corolla, unless he really doesnt care about cars. I know some guys at school that dont care what they drive. But 1. Corollas look terrible 2. Only 4 door 3. Reliability is going to be more or less the same as a civic. Gas milage is almost identicle as well. And no a Corolla would not be a Civic in a race, what it boils down to which style do you like more? As you can see, I like the Civic style more 
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, California, US
Rep Power: 0 Let's be honest. You can't really go wrong with either. It all comes down to preference. Both have bulletproof reliability, are cheap to maintain, and are roomy and comfortable. I had basically the same decision in front of me when I bought my 2k2 Civic (EX Coupe). Here are some upsides and downsides to buying both:
Horsepower: Corolla has the edge (130 vs. 127 or 113)
Insurance Rating: Corolla has the edge vs. a Civic coupe; Civic sedan/Corolla should be close
Reliability: You pick 'em
Cost to maintain: Let's count pennies...(they're both cheap)
Aftermarket Availability: Civic wins, hands down.
More "unisex": Civic. Corolla is widely seen as a girl's car
Roominess: Civic is pretty roomy in back, but Corolla's weird looking height probably adds some headroom
In the end, it's really your choice. Both cars are reliable, easy to maintain, and get good gas mileage. The clincher for me was the styling of the Civic; I liked it more than the 98-02 Corolla. I still like it more than today's Corolla also. I love my Civic...I'm sure your son will like whichever you get him. Even if I wasn't a Civic driver, I would still buy it over the Corolla, just cause I like the way it looks more. That may sound trivial, but it also speaks volumes about how well-built and oozing with quality these cars are.
Good luck...
MyOtherRideIsBritney
---------------------------
I'll be waiting here,
Santa that's my only wish this year
MyOther
Horsepower: Corolla has the edge (130 vs. 127 or 113)
Insurance Rating: Corolla has the edge vs. a Civic coupe; Civic sedan/Corolla should be close
Reliability: You pick 'em
Cost to maintain: Let's count pennies...(they're both cheap)
Aftermarket Availability: Civic wins, hands down.
More "unisex": Civic. Corolla is widely seen as a girl's car
Roominess: Civic is pretty roomy in back, but Corolla's weird looking height probably adds some headroom
In the end, it's really your choice. Both cars are reliable, easy to maintain, and get good gas mileage. The clincher for me was the styling of the Civic; I liked it more than the 98-02 Corolla. I still like it more than today's Corolla also. I love my Civic...I'm sure your son will like whichever you get him. Even if I wasn't a Civic driver, I would still buy it over the Corolla, just cause I like the way it looks more. That may sound trivial, but it also speaks volumes about how well-built and oozing with quality these cars are.
Good luck...
MyOtherRideIsBritney
---------------------------
I'll be waiting here,
Santa that's my only wish this year
MyOther
Registered!!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Rep Power: 0
Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: ak
Aren't corollas safer?
[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: ak
Aren't corollas safer?
[hr]
Get the Civic. I picked it over the Corolla. Also, I think all the girls buying the Corollas at MSRP or something jacked the prices up unless you want to buy a CE. Anyway, the Corolla's price will come pretty close to the Civic's, so why not just pay little more and get more?
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Canada
Rep Power: 0
Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: Diemos
Are you asking us is one faster than the other? Well, anyways. Do not get a Corolla, unless he really doesnt care about cars. I know some guys at school that dont care what they drive. But 1. Corollas look terrible 2. Only 4 door 3. Reliability is going to be more or less the same as a civic. Gas milage is almost identicle as well. And no a Corolla would not be a Civic in a race, what it boils down to which style do you like more? As you can see, I like the Civic style more[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: Diemos
Are you asking us is one faster than the other? Well, anyways. Do not get a Corolla, unless he really doesnt care about cars. I know some guys at school that dont care what they drive. But 1. Corollas look terrible 2. Only 4 door 3. Reliability is going to be more or less the same as a civic. Gas milage is almost identicle as well. And no a Corolla would not be a Civic in a race, what it boils down to which style do you like more? As you can see, I like the Civic style more
[hr]
Reliability more or less than a civic? Try more.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania, US
Rep Power: 0 Well, I just went to check out both cars. The Corolla does look ugly as hell compared to the coupe civic with a spoiler. Well, I think the most my son'll do is add a CAI and maybe one of those performance chips. I will not let him get a turbo or supercharger, I know from driving my Z28 how dangerious it can be to go too fast.
Are there any reliability differences between the SOHC and DOHC engines? Is one significantly better than the other?
Again, thanks for the prompt responses, you guys are really making my quest for a car easier.
Are there any reliability differences between the SOHC and DOHC engines? Is one significantly better than the other?
Again, thanks for the prompt responses, you guys are really making my quest for a car easier.
up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-b-a-b-a-start
iTrader: (20)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,785
Likes: 0
From: London, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 370 
DOHC engines usually produce more power then SOHC engines. If Honda were to take the D17 engine (current Civic engine) and mate a DOHC to it, the engine would produce more horsepower and torque. The downside to this would result in a more expensive engine and a more heavier engine.
In terms of engine reliability (Civic vs. Corolla), that's the least you'll have to worry about when purchasing either car.
Good luck.
BTW... I would rather my dad buy me a Civic then a Corolla.
In terms of engine reliability (Civic vs. Corolla), that's the least you'll have to worry about when purchasing either car.
Good luck.
BTW... I would rather my dad buy me a Civic then a Corolla.
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, North Carolina, US
Rep Power: 0 These cars are too close in almost every way to make any real comparison in my opinion.
The corolla has a few more horses but the difference is insignificant.
Reliability is impeccable for both cars and neither can say that their rating is better than the other.
The toyota is going to have a very numb driving experience when compared to the civic. It will also be much quieter than the civic.
The corolla has a senior-citizen type image in general. The civic has a more youthful image even though the average age of a civic buyer is around 38.
It just comes down to preference. You are comparing two top-notch cars as far as reliability, durability, and quality. Drive them both and buy whichever one you like better. You can't go wrong either way.
The corolla has a few more horses but the difference is insignificant.
Reliability is impeccable for both cars and neither can say that their rating is better than the other.
The toyota is going to have a very numb driving experience when compared to the civic. It will also be much quieter than the civic.
The corolla has a senior-citizen type image in general. The civic has a more youthful image even though the average age of a civic buyer is around 38.
It just comes down to preference. You are comparing two top-notch cars as far as reliability, durability, and quality. Drive them both and buy whichever one you like better. You can't go wrong either way.
Banned For My Beliefs
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 0
From: The HIBBIDY BIBBIDY BAI
Rep Power: 0 My mom just got an 03 corolla. It's a nice car, nice smooth quiet ride. I'd still rather drive my civic but I like coupes.....
They are relatively quick, and the S doesnt look too bad imo. The insurance is cheaper on it too atleast here it is....
They are relatively quick, and the S doesnt look too bad imo. The insurance is cheaper on it too
atleast here it is.... 
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, California, US
Rep Power: 0 Your son should have the Civic. But... why don't you ask him what he likes? Especially now you know comparing the two cars is like green apples to red apples. If it's going to be his car, shouldn't he have some preference? I know you're the one buying the car and you have your preferences as well (which could/should/would be more important than his) but maybe his choice would help you out a bit and you both can be satisfied. I'd say the 2-door coupe... though insurance is more for the 2-door and yet there's no difference in interior room between the coupe and sedan. There's slightly more headroom in the LX vs. the EX.
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 I have the opportunity of owning both cars and let me give you my opinion on the two. I live in Canada, and the Corolla was roughly $5000 cheaper than my SI(Ex). I bought a CE version of the Corolla, which has the the same engine as all the other Trim levels.
Civic:
-Looks better (I had a coupe)
-I think the interior is slightly better
-Engine is fun to drive, it "feels" fast
-I think the handling is kinda poor, especially the Rear end of the car. It is unusually high compared to the overall height of the car
Corolla
-The Corolla's engine hands down is superior to the Civic's engine. When Vtec engages for the Civic, it jerks the car slightly, an instanteous power, but not a smooth transitition
-The engine is really really smooth, just casual driving and you'll be in 80-90 Km/h in no time
When it comes down to price, the corolla is definately a better bargain. For a lower sticker price, you have an engine performing better than the Top of the line Civic model. Looks are comparable, as it is subjective. Comparing 4 dr to 4dr, I think the Rear of the Corolla looks better than the Civic. I can't stand those Fugly Sedan tail lights. I love the Front of the Civic though, no doubt. If your son plans to modify the car, definately get a Civic. If you want a car that's cheaper, performs better, almost comparable in other categories such as safety, reliability, gas mileage, etc. than get a Corolla.
Diemos- Yes a Corolla WILL beat a Civic in a race, mind you, given equal drivers. There was a thread awhile back where a member with a Manual EX racing an Auto Corolla, and I believe he only won 2 of 3 races, in which his victories were pretty close.
Civic:
-Looks better (I had a coupe)
-I think the interior is slightly better
-Engine is fun to drive, it "feels" fast
-I think the handling is kinda poor, especially the Rear end of the car. It is unusually high compared to the overall height of the car
Corolla
-The Corolla's engine hands down is superior to the Civic's engine. When Vtec engages for the Civic, it jerks the car slightly, an instanteous power, but not a smooth transitition
-The engine is really really smooth, just casual driving and you'll be in 80-90 Km/h in no time
When it comes down to price, the corolla is definately a better bargain. For a lower sticker price, you have an engine performing better than the Top of the line Civic model. Looks are comparable, as it is subjective. Comparing 4 dr to 4dr, I think the Rear of the Corolla looks better than the Civic. I can't stand those Fugly Sedan tail lights. I love the Front of the Civic though, no doubt. If your son plans to modify the car, definately get a Civic. If you want a car that's cheaper, performs better, almost comparable in other categories such as safety, reliability, gas mileage, etc. than get a Corolla.
Diemos- Yes a Corolla WILL beat a Civic in a race, mind you, given equal drivers. There was a thread awhile back where a member with a Manual EX racing an Auto Corolla, and I believe he only won 2 of 3 races, in which his victories were pretty close.
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, North Carolina, US
Rep Power: 0
Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: Unstoppable
I have the opportunity of owning both cars and let me give you my opinion on the two. I live in Canada, and the Corolla was roughly $5000 cheaper than my SI(Ex). I bought a CE version of the Corolla, which has the the same engine as all the other Trim levels.
Civic:
-Looks better (I had a coupe)
-I think the interior is slightly better
-Engine is fun to drive, it "feels" fast
-I think the handling is kinda poor, especially the Rear end of the car. It is unusually high compared to the overall height of the car
Corolla
-The Corolla's engine hands down is superior to the Civic's engine. When Vtec engages for the Civic, it jerks the car slightly, an instanteous power, but not a smooth transitition
-The engine is really really smooth, just casual driving and you'll be in 80-90 Km/h in no time
When it comes down to price, the corolla is definately a better bargain. For a lower sticker price, you have an engine performing better than the Top of the line Civic model. Looks are comparable, as it is subjective. Comparing 4 dr to 4dr, I think the Rear of the Corolla looks better than the Civic. I can't stand those Fugly Sedan tail lights. I love the Front of the Civic though, no doubt. If your son plans to modify the car, definately get a Civic. If you want a car that's cheaper, performs better, almost comparable in other categories such as safety, reliability, gas mileage, etc. than get a Corolla.
Diemos- Yes a Corolla WILL beat a Civic in a race, mind you, given equal drivers. There was a thread awhile back where a member with a Manual EX racing an Auto Corolla, and I believe he only won 2 of 3 races, in which his victories were pretty close.[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: Unstoppable
I have the opportunity of owning both cars and let me give you my opinion on the two. I live in Canada, and the Corolla was roughly $5000 cheaper than my SI(Ex). I bought a CE version of the Corolla, which has the the same engine as all the other Trim levels.
Civic:
-Looks better (I had a coupe)
-I think the interior is slightly better
-Engine is fun to drive, it "feels" fast
-I think the handling is kinda poor, especially the Rear end of the car. It is unusually high compared to the overall height of the car
Corolla
-The Corolla's engine hands down is superior to the Civic's engine. When Vtec engages for the Civic, it jerks the car slightly, an instanteous power, but not a smooth transitition
-The engine is really really smooth, just casual driving and you'll be in 80-90 Km/h in no time
When it comes down to price, the corolla is definately a better bargain. For a lower sticker price, you have an engine performing better than the Top of the line Civic model. Looks are comparable, as it is subjective. Comparing 4 dr to 4dr, I think the Rear of the Corolla looks better than the Civic. I can't stand those Fugly Sedan tail lights. I love the Front of the Civic though, no doubt. If your son plans to modify the car, definately get a Civic. If you want a car that's cheaper, performs better, almost comparable in other categories such as safety, reliability, gas mileage, etc. than get a Corolla.
Diemos- Yes a Corolla WILL beat a Civic in a race, mind you, given equal drivers. There was a thread awhile back where a member with a Manual EX racing an Auto Corolla, and I believe he only won 2 of 3 races, in which his victories were pretty close.[hr]
Ummm...That member also stated that he was shifting at like 6500rpm. He would have won by more or done better if he shifted at redline. Also, the fact that he didn't/doesn't shift at redline could lead one to believe he doesn't really know what he's doing. Definately not a good example for comparison.
Also, why do you say the civic jerks when vtec kicks in? I have never felt my car jerk and have to pay attention to notice any change in the performance of the engine. It's more like a slight increase in decibals...LOL I think most members would agree with that statement. The simple fact that the corolla engine runs through the rpms smoother (in your opinion) doesn't mean the engine is superior. If it was a more reliable engine then yea, you could say that. However, that simply isnt' the case.
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, US
Rep Power: 0 My HX has a noticeable "jerk" in acceleration once the 2nd valve opens up. But anyway, I've been in a 2k3 Corolla, and that engine is much more peppy than ours. I've driven a 2k2 EX and my HX (manuals)...and this 2k3 Corolla auto just seemed to have power throughout.
One particular thing I noticed...silence. Corolla's are QUIET! Not a single rattle at all...hardly any road noise. Very smooth ride. Really makes the 6 speaker sound system stand out.
One particular thing I noticed...silence. Corolla's are QUIET! Not a single rattle at all...hardly any road noise. Very smooth ride. Really makes the 6 speaker sound system stand out.
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Mbow- I'm not basing on the fact that the Corolla engine is smoother and that equates to performing better. There are a few reasons I feel the Corolla is a faster car compared to the Civic. I've driven both cars and the Corolla picks up faster. The Civic accelerates fast up to like 70-80 km/h than it kinda struggles to go past 90-120 km/h. On the other hand, the Corolla has better top end due to the 115 torque, forgot what the Civic has and continues to pull smoothly. I'm pretty sure someone who has driven a Corolla can support me on this...On "Paper" it only seems like a few horses...however the Corolla has more torque and is DOHC. Yes the engine is superior to the Civic [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]
Hey don't get me wrong, I like the Civic, and the car is fun to drive. However, you must admit the Civic is pretty darn slow. The corolla is a little less slow ( =
Hey don't get me wrong, I like the Civic, and the car is fun to drive. However, you must admit the Civic is pretty darn slow. The corolla is a little less slow ( =
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, North Carolina, US
Rep Power: 0 So, a smoother running engine performs better (one that runs up through the rpms smoothly)? Hmmm...I guess all dohc honda engines don't perform well then... It's a better engine because it is a DOHC? LOL I know you don't believe that...Yea, it's superior to the civic's engine in YOUR opinion. Not to bash but last time I checked you weren't any kind of automotive god so it is an opinion and that only.
Yea, the civic is slow but what are you comparing it to? What did you expect from an econobox that gets over 30mpg in the city? It's never been advertised as being fast. It's basic transportation with a little flair, nothing more. You know all this so I don't understand what you are getting at.
Oh, I have been driving hondas for 10 yrs so I am used to going slow.
Yea, the civic is slow but what are you comparing it to? What did you expect from an econobox that gets over 30mpg in the city? It's never been advertised as being fast. It's basic transportation with a little flair, nothing more. You know all this so I don't understand what you are getting at.
Oh, I have been driving hondas for 10 yrs so I am used to going slow.
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
danace99
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
12
Oct 17, 2015 02:51 PM
Amulon
Suspension Performance Modifications
5
Aug 18, 2015 11:03 AM
jwalkerck1
Bolt-on Engine Performance Modifications
6
Aug 17, 2015 10:03 PM
darwin-t
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
10
Aug 15, 2015 10:51 AM
Bounddyy
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
19
Jul 20, 2015 02:42 PM
