Debating if I Should go with1996- 2000 Honda Civic coupe and 2000-20005 impala?

I know their on different ends of the spectrum but i like both and they`re both quality cars.I`ve seen both with 200,000 plus miles.I always wanted a civic ex or si coupe to mod but its 2011 so im wondering if it would be worth buying a 90`s-early 2000`s car and people ride used hondas hard.I like Impala but I don`t like cars with the gear shift on the steering wheel column and the steering wheel is huge!Also its a longer car.Which would you go with?