Base on exterior appearance, which one do you prefer and why? Personally, I like the 1.6 front end with the 1.7 backend. No preference from side view. But I prefer the 1.6 overall. It has a more aggressive classier styling (IMO)

I personally like the 1.7 exterior much better, in fact I think it looks much more upscale than the 1.6 (especially the interior). I particularly like the front fascia of the 1.7, looks very similar to the TL, CL, and RSX. Looks aggressive. The back-end is up in there air. I think the 1.7 has a really tall look to it, the roof line is high which is good for headroom but makes the car look tall. I prefer the 1.6 rims and tires though, much more sportier with the low profile tires. The 1.6 also looks a lot better with a spoiler than the 1.7.

I have both 1.6 and 1.7. Although named the same, they are 2 different cars, different engines, suspension and of course the looks. I prefer the 1.6 myself because of the more aggressive look, and the lower stance. It also looks cool with the bigger rims. I also find the ride better, although stiffer. Even though it shares the same platform as the Civic 4-door, it is distinctively Acura in any angle you look at it. The interior I think was derived from the Integra. The 1.7 is a "classier" car, it's taller and has a "flat" rear legroom, simulated wood trim and a bit of chrome inside. The inside looks too much like the Civic, even the gray gauges. I do not like the ride at all, (I guess because I gotten used to the 1.6.) IMO I think it slightly moved away from the "sporty" image and more into the "classy". Even dressed up with better rims and tires, it still looks too "Civic" to me in any angle. You really have to see it up close to know it's an Acura. I also don't like the stock rims and tires. Maybe with 16" rims, and better shocks, the ride might improve. With the engine, I really did not notice much difference, other than I have to service the 1.7 every 8k as opposed to every 6k with the 1.6. Vicman

IMO, really more torque with the new engine...   I meam, with a five speed ...   More quiet also...   But you're right...the new EL is more classy than the previous...

I was really comparing the 1.6 which is a 4sp Auto and the 1.7 in 5 sp M/T.

 

vicman