In the late 1990s, the market for affordable, high-performance cars was shrinking. Manufacturers were pushing away from fun, sporty compacts in favor of larger, more profitable vehicles. However, a few models still delivered exhilarating driving experiences on a budget. Car and Driver put two such contenders to the test: the 1999 Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T. The question then – as now – was simple: where can enthusiasts find cheap speed?
The Disappearing Breed of Affordable Performance
The shift away from spirited small cars was driven by market trends. Manufacturers realized they could make more money from bigger, more luxurious vehicles. This meant that compact cars with tweaked engines, stiffer suspensions, and aggressive tires were increasingly rare. The GTI had survived, but many others – Dodge Colt/Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo, Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo, Chevy Cavalier Z24 V-6 – had disappeared.
The Civic Si and New Beetle represented a last stand for this dying breed. Both cars offered over 150 horsepower in front-wheel-drive platforms under $20,000.
Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T: Style Over Substance
The New Beetle Turbo was a standout for its distinctive styling. The retro design dominated the conversation, making it more of a fashion statement than a performance machine. The interior was quirky but impractical, with limited headroom in the back and an awkward cockpit layout.
Under the hood, the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder borrowed from Audi provided a respectable 150 horsepower. The car accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, making it slightly quicker than the non-turbo version. The suspension was firm but not overly sporty, and the brakes were upgraded to handle the extra power.
However, the Turbo’s performance felt restrained. The turbo lag required careful throttle control, and the overall driving experience lacked the raw excitement of its competitors. The New Beetle was a competent performer, but its true appeal lay in its unique style rather than its driving dynamics.
“The New Beetle Turbo is a vigorous performer with a low pulse rate. It’s quiet, relaxed even, with little noise and none of the zippy flog-me encouragement flowing up through the controls that we usually associate with cheap speed.”
Honda Civic Si: The Driver’s Choice
The Honda Civic Si was the clear winner. Its 160-horsepower VTEC engine delivered an engaging driving experience that the New Beetle couldn’t match. The Si accelerated to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and posted a quarter-mile time of 16.1 seconds.
More importantly, the Si handled like a precision instrument. The suspension was tight and responsive, providing excellent balance and grip (0.83 g on the skidpad). The lack of ABS encouraged skilled drivers to push the car to its limits, while the VTEC engine provided a thrilling surge of power at high RPMs.
The Civic Si felt like a scaled-down version of Honda’s flagship NSX, offering a similar level of refinement and driving engagement. Its interior was functional but unremarkable, and the lack of a six-speed transmission was a missed opportunity.
“This test was performed in California, where the roads are smooth. The Si’s taut ride was no problem. Over the chucks and heaves of Michigan roads, it might be uncomfortable for some. But not for anyone who really savors cheap speed.”
The Verdict
The 1999 Honda Civic Si was the superior choice for enthusiasts seeking affordable performance. Its sharp handling, exhilarating engine, and overall driving dynamics made it a standout in a shrinking market. The VW New Beetle GLS 1.8T offered a stylish alternative, but its performance was overshadowed by its quirky design.
The disappearance of these cars reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry: the prioritization of profit over passion. Today, finding truly affordable, high-performance vehicles is even more challenging, making the Civic Si and New Beetle GLS 1.8T valuable relics of a bygone era.
