On any given track day, you’re sure to see some high-dollar sports cars and overconfident drivers lining up in the pits like kings of the tarmac. But all it takes is one humble Honda to show up and quiet everyone’s bravado, not with a raspy exhaust note, but with quick lap times.
This old Honda doesn’t have a turbocharger or even a rear-wheel-drive configuration, nor does it cost three times your monthly rent like most new BMWs. But it can turn laps faster than an E46 M3 (depending on the track). We’re talking about the 2006 Honda Civic Si, the $12,000 track assassin.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.8L I4
- Base Trim Transmission
-
5-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
140 HP @6300 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
128 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, and Edmunds.
The 8th-Generation Honda Civic Si Is Quicker Than You Think
Before you scoff at the thought of a Honda turning quicker lap times than a BMW, hear us out. The eighth-generation Honda Civic Si was built with track driving in mind, thanks to its high-revving VTEC engine, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and taut suspension. But since it was based on the commuter-friendly base Civic, it’s still very practical for the daily commute. As an added plus, it comes in coupe or sedan form to fit a variety of lifestyles.
Legendary VTEC Power Stretches Its Legs
Since the Honda Civic Si is mainly a high-performance version of the basic Civic, it’s important to point out what makes it go fast. Of course, the main culprit is its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter K20Z3 engine that utilizes VTEC technology to make its power. In case you are not aware of what VTEC is, it stands for “variable valve timing and lift electronic control,” which is a technical way of saying that the engine can breathe better at higher rpm due to higher-lift cam lobes that help with the top-end power.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-liter VTEC inline-four |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
197 hp |
|
Torque |
139 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
0-60 mph |
6.7 to 7.3 seconds |
|
Skidpad |
0.91 g |
However, when the car is driven normally, it retains its drivability and good fuel economy, 23 MPG combined to be exact, by using the lower-lift cam lobe to give the car a normal driving feel. What results is having two cars in one: a sedate daily driver when the driver shifts below 6,000 rpm and a track terror when it’s shifted at its 8,000 rpm redline. Additionally, the Civic Si is fitted with a stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels and tires, and larger front and rear disc brakes for better all-around performance.
As a result, the 2006 Honda Civic Si was able to get down the quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds, and it pulled 0.91g on the skidpad, according to Car and Driver‘s testing. It may not be able to beat an E46 M3 in a drag race, but it sure can keep up in the corners.
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If You Need More Power, This Civic Si Responds Well to Modifications
Yes, the eighth-generation Honda Civic Si only makes 197 horsepower, which isn’t much compared to your average M3, but the good news is that it can be modified to make more power. Looking at the aftermarket, there are plenty of modifications to be found for this platform, from cold-air intake systems to full-on supercharger kits, which can easily double the horsepower of the car.
However, if you don’t need that much power and plan to drive the car on the street, then strapping the usual bolt-on parts like an intake, a freer-flowing header, and a larger exhaust could do the trick. There are some current owners posting dyno charts of their cars on Reddit, showing that they made over 200 horsepower at the wheels with those basic bolt-ons and some ECU tuning.
But if you really want to beat some BMWs in any race situation, then a supercharger or turbocharger kit should be in order. Some of these kits can increase the Civic’s horsepower rating to around 380 and pump the torque number up to around 240 pound-feet, making the 2,800-pound commuter car a force to be reckoned with. There are some owners with force-fed Civics running 12 and 13-second quarter-mile times at the drag strip, which can easily keep up with most of the older E36 and E46 BMW M3s. Also, with enough power and suspension modifications, we’re sure a fully modified Civic can keep up with a new M3, while costing a fraction of the price, including the modifications.
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The 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si Is Also Very Practical
Performance modification and speed aside, the 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si is also very practical. As stated, this particular platform was produced as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan (2007 and up) to cater to everyone’s needs. As such, the Civic has a usable backseat, with room for five, in addition to a decent-sized trunk. Specifically, the Civic coupe has 11.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the sedan has 12.
There is no car out there that drives like a Honda does. The Si is one of the best cars on the road when it comes to performance, features, safety, and money savings. This car is extremely fun to drive and doesn’t need any modifications to make it fast.
-2006 Honda Civic Si owner via Edmunds
A Sporty And Practical Interior Supports Daily Fun
Aside from its sportier powertrain, what set the eighth-generation Civic Si apart from its base counterpart was its interior. The Civic Si’s interior was completely blacked out with suede-covered sport seats up front and nicely bolstered seats in the rear. The fabric and extra bolstering support the occupants under heavy cornering. Additionally, the Civic Si came with the following enhancements:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Sport pedals
- Premium audio system—a 360-watt AM/FM/CD system with seven speakers
- 60/40 split seatback
- Bluetooth
- USB port
- Satellite radio
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This Fun Civic Costs Less Than $12,000
The best part about the eighth-generation Honda Civic Si is its price. Sure, you can easily beat a BMW around a track with its superior handling capabilities and aftermarket modifications, but you have to buy one first. Fortunately, Kelly Blue Book lists the average used price for a 2011 Honda Civic Si sedan at $9,445, which is very affordable.
However, it should be noted that real-world prices can differ due to the Civic Si’s popularity and scarcity. A nationwide search on CarGurus shows 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si models selling for anywhere between $7,000 and $12,000, depending on the car’s location and condition. That said, this little pocket rocket could be what you’re looking for if you want a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily commuter that can do double duty as a weekend track toy, despite what onlookers in the paddock might think or say when you pull in.