Have kept both. 2009 GLi had better build quality, better paint quality and rattle free interior. It rode very well and had a smooth buttery ride. GLi returned very good fuel economy. Only con was the car was gutless and had no power. Every mechanic knows how to fix it, parts are plentiful. Has a DOHC engine, has mileage calculator, which I miss in the Civic. Also has buttery smooth EPS.
Civic 8th gen has lots of power, ride is harsher, has IRS so if a bush fails, would feel like your sailing a boat. Paint and interior quality is inferior to Toyota. Brakes are better, handling is better. Average is around 10-11 for manual.
IB if you need more details as these are some of the things that I could think of.
