This type of argument has gone on for ages. It comes down to top-end horsepower vs. low-end torque. I think anyone who has been on these boards more than a week knows the difference, and knows their preference. Personally, the Civic Si is a great car, but I like torque. That led me to the tC.

Also, the stock tC was never intended to compete with $22,000 Si's, but instead with $19,000 EX's. And, the tC is no racecar. It performs well, but wasn't meant to be hardcore. It's purpose is different. And the driving experience is no doubt different also. The efforts of Scion were to create a car with a unique blend of features and personality, and an ability to customize that is rarely seen with new cars. If you want something that merely goes fast (and little else) there are plenty of choices.