Is the Honda Civic SI fast?
Yes. The Civic Si is fast for a compact car, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivering about 200 horsepower, paired with a precise six-speed manual and a sport-tuned chassis.
In this article, we explore what “fast” means for the Si, including official specs, real-world acceleration, handling character, and how it stacks up against rivals in the hot-hatch and sport-compact class as of the 2023–2024 model years. We’ll separate quick numbers from practical performance, so readers can gauge what to expect from everyday driving to weekend runs.
Performance at a glance
The following snapshot highlights the core figures that shape speed for the Si. The numbers are representative of the current 11th-generation Si variants sold in the United States, with small year-to-year variations.
- Engine and output: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing around 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual with a sport-tuned setup and a front‑wheel‑drive layout.
- Weight: roughly 3,000 pounds (varies by trim and year), contributing to a lively power-to-weight feel.
- Chassis and handling: sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering designed for engaging street and back-road driving.
Together, these elements give the Si a brisk, driver-focused character that rewards eager shifting and confident cornering while still serving daily usability and reliability expected of a Civic.
Acceleration, handling, and driver experience
The numbers behind the scenes translate into real-world performance that many buyers value in a sporty compact. Here’s how the Si tends to perform on the road and track.
- 0-60 mph: typically in the mid to high 6-second range (roughly 6.4–6.9 seconds in common tests), depending on tires, altitude, and driver technique.
- Quarter-mile: commonly in the high 14-second to low 15-second range, with times influenced by grip and gearing.
- Handling and feel: the Si emphasizes a communicative chassis, tire grip, and chassis balance, aided by a limited-slip mechanism and a manual transmission that rewards precise shifts.
In everyday driving, the Si feels quick and responsive, delivering a satisfying surge when you tune the throttle and pull through the midrange. On winding roads or a track day, its balance, mechanical grip, and driver engagement can feel more rewarding than a straight-line speed race.
How the Civic Si stacks up against rivals
Within the hot-hatch and sport-compact segment, the Si sits between high-value daily drivers and higher-powered rivals. Here’s a quick comparison to give context to its speed and performance character.
- Volkswagen Golf GTI (current-generation): Typically offers more power (around 240+ hp) and a refined everyday ride, but the Si appeals to purists with a standard six-speed manual and a more track-focused feel.
- Hyundai Elantra N: Higher power (roughly 276 hp) and more aggressive chassis tuning, delivering stronger straight-line speed and track prowess at a higher price and potentially higher running costs.
- Civic Type R: Significantly faster in both straight line and cornering, with a focus on extreme performance at a higher price and with a very specialized setup.
- Mazda3 with turbo (or similar compact sports sedans): Balanced handling and stylish packaging, but power and torque figures vary by engine option; the Si prioritizes a pure manual-shift driver experience.
Overall, the Civic Si offers a compelling blend: brisk acceleration, a genuine manual transmission, and a chassis tuned for engagement. It’s fast enough to be exciting on back roads and capable at track days, but it doesn’t claim the outright horsepower extreme of some rivals.
What buyers should know
Choosing the Civic Si means weighing its speed against other priorities like daily comfort, interior practicality, pricing, and long-term ownership costs. Here are a few practical considerations for potential buyers.
- Engagement over brute force: the Si’s appeal is in driver involvement—manual shifts, responsive steering, and a chassis tuned for nimble handling.
- Value in the segment: while powerful rivals exist, the Si often wins on balance—fun to drive without sacrificing daily usability, cargo space, or reliability.
- Pricing and options: the Si’s price sits in the mid-to-upper-$20k range new, creeping toward low-$30k with options; used-market values depend on mileage and condition.
- Fuel economy: typically competitive for a sporty compact, but actual economy depends on driving style and tires; performance-focused tires can affect mpg.
In sum, if your priority is a spirited, engaging drive with a manual gearbox and everyday practicality, the Civic Si offers a fast, balanced option in the current Civic lineup. It delivers speed that feels meaningful in daily life and on spirited drives, without drifting into the extreme-performance territory occupied by some rivals or the sibling Type R.
Summary
The Honda Civic Si remains a strong choice for speed-conscious buyers who want a practical, track-ready daily driver. With about 200 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, a standard six-speed manual, and sport-tuned dynamics, it delivers satisfying acceleration and engaging handling that stands out in its class. While it isn’t the fastest option on the market—especially next to hotter rivals and the Civic Type R—it offers a compelling blend of performance, driver involvement, and everyday usability that continues to distinguish the Si in the crowded sport-compact segment.
