Even the base model has the same horsepower as EM Civic SIs, should have better torque as well. I've thought about the EP3 really hard, the base RSX is in the same boat, I want both, so I'm going to be the one guy that would love to have a base model. If the insurance is equal, I'm not sure, I'm taking it from a previous post, I'd go with the Type S, more fun in the long run and it will hold it's value that much more. Either way, beautiful car and hella fun.