It’s been fun to learn a new car! This car is bigger than my old one and it’s a totally different driving experience. The larger vehicle has brought up some learning curves: interstate driving, parking, lane changes. Being used to a certain sized car bubble is a thing. So this prompted me to look up the actual specs of Rhonda vs Romeo in order to help myself learn to drive him better.
1994 Honda Civic EX Coupe
Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
MPG: 29 city / 35 highway
Fuel tank capacity: 11.9 gal
Wheelbase: 103.2″
Horsepower: 125 hp
Torque: 106 lb-ft
Dimensions: 173″ L x 67″ W x 51″ H
Curb weight: 2,520 lb
2012 Honda Civic SI Coupe
Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
MPG: 22 city / 31 highway
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gal
Wheel Base: 103.2″
Horsepower: 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 170 lb-ft
Dimensions: 176″ L x 69″ W x 55″ H
Curb weight: 2,877 lbs
As you can see, Romeo is a LOT more car than Rhonda – look at that HP and torque!! SQUEE! He is only slightly bigger, but those extra inches matter in tight traffic. He’s 357 pounds heavier, but honestly, that is completely offset by the powerful engine. I think once I get my muscle memory for the tight gearing, the rest will come along pretty quick. The gear ratios are SO good. I tell you, Honda makes the best manual transmission on the planet. The clutch is like buttah and the gears are perfectly engineered for the best giddyup along with good gas mileage. I’m getting 25mpg consistently, even with my punching up the power when I can. ;)
This blog is going to get a little more gearhead for a while. Having a new car to play with and read about is awesome. So if you’re not into gear ratios and torque, well, you might be bored with these posts! I say, read and learn, bitches. Since most people can’t even change a damn tire, I think a little knowledge wouldn’t hurt. Have you actually READ the manual for your car? If not, get to it. You drive it, you should know how it works. //ending rant about how ignorant people are about cars// And: get off my lawn!! :P