between a 2003 xli and 2003 civic oriel, i would go for the civic with eyes shut! i have owned a 2003 oriel and to be honest its one of the best cars to drive.
Civic has ABS brakes, xli has stone age brakes. civic has a sunroof in oriel, makers of xli probably don't even know the spelling of "sunroof". oriel comes with company fitted alloy rims (which are simply fantastic to look at), xli on the other hand has been blessed with steel rims, wheel cups and tyres which are fit for you 2 year old sons toy buggy.
the 1.6 V-Tec engine will smoke the guts outta the xli on any given day on the calender. overall i would suggest that you go for the Civic without even a shadow of doubt in your mind.
happy shopping, cheers mate