definitely civic 2.0 as after months of owning the forte 2.0, i can 100% confirmed that that even a 1.8 civic will have faster pickup power and i can confirmed that even using the shiftronic mode (for 2.0) also not really on par with 1.8 Civic.

This is my 100% honest opinion, so i'm not sure how other's think or comment, but i can gurantee, if you own a forte 2.0, u get the best car that worth for your $. I dare to said this as I do have a 1.8 Civic (My Darling's sister ride) to compare with our forte. if you want to compare to Civic, please don't, as no matter Forte nor Civic, it just normal civilian car, not performance car. Please forget that a forte 1.6 can smoke a 1.8 Civic as claimed by other owner before this when you use the shiftronic mode as a 2.0 Forte also not 100% can do so.  Yes, from technical spec on paper, Forte 2.0 do have extra power compare to Civic 1.8 & 2.0, but if you really check properlly, the 0 - 100 speed achieved faster with Civic.

Sorry if i hurt anyone by my most honest opinion at above, especially all the Forte owner (1.6 or 2.0).  My intention is just to enlighten those that thinking to compare the Forte with Civic. 
After all, we are just driving a civilian car.   

why would you wan to downgrade your car and compare it with a cheaper or lower segment? your car is same segment as civic, altis, M3 and some other same segment cars.

do check out the Autocar Magazine for July issue, there is a head to head comparison between forte 1.6 and city E spec. actually forte 1.6 loss out a little bit u know?

0-100km/h - City wins a little bit than forte 1.6.
fuel efficiency - city also gives better FC than forte 1.6
top speed - forte is 190 km/h and city 180 km/h. (how often you will/ can hit this speed???

just to highlight a few as i cant remember what else is in there.
there's a small column talking bout dugong TRD. 

do check it out first. those are official data collected. yours/ others views tends to be bit biased and you may not see the overall picture.