Grande is a smaller car, the cabin space in a civic is far more. Also the driving pleasure and suspension dynamics of the civic are amazing. Yes the corolla has softer springs, but it also has a high center of gravity and a lot more body roll.. that makes a driver very hesitant approaching corners, meanwhile in the civic, you stick to the road like glue and power out of the corner like a PRO.
The ergonomics of the civic are also much better than corolla's, the driving position, the arm rest, the pedal space & foot rest are all great! Not so much in the corolla.
