Civic 1.8 or Corolla 2008

civic is better, with VTEC, more power if you need it. i've drove the new corolla and the current civic.
Civic has a firmer chassis, as well the suspensions are strong, but also comfortable. the corolla's acceleration is not very good, because it only has VVT-i, not VVTL-i... and the suspension is hopeless...

i think the civic looks better too~ and it has a higher resell value in the 2nd hand car market

Corolla 2008. It's functions and features are like those luxury car, but price is good bargain.

I personally don't like Civic for the image of "street car"; this is subjective.

Good luck and enjoy driving.