Hi, currently have a 24' Si I bought new in 9/23. Before that I had a 17' FoST, 19' Jetta GLI (new, very disappointing) and 19' FieSTa. In hindsight I regret not looking at the Elantra N in 2023, but I always admired the 10G Si from afar since it was released in 2017, and the 11G improved it substantially. I did make the right choice with the FoST though, it was my first nice car (ie sub 100K miles/10 years old) and my biggest regret sell.
I seek feedback from Elantra N owners who also have seat time in an Si, because it does have some issues- power (ofc), and very stingy sound deadening as is typical Honda and a fairly stiff ride. I have back issues. Those two might be a bigger issue than the power honestly, which is masked by being sub 3000lbs and having short gearing (as a sport compact should). HVAC is kinda anemic.
The Si has a lot of great attributes, mainly it's chassis and general dynamics. And general livability/ergonomics. I did have a test drive in a new 26' N, but it was pretty short with a salesman present. I believe it had a better ride and noise insulation, if only marginally. Better seats-the Si is too short for thigh support and lacks give. More powerful heat/ac. Gear ratios seem average like the FoST. Reminds me a lot of the FoST actually, just a sedan with an LSD.
The 26' was almost 40K after TTL, so I'd honestly look for a 2025 which still has a spare tire. Also drove a 19' MK7.5 GTI which was just fine (the MK8's gear ratios are absurd and probably a deal breaker, but the Gen4 triple8 is worth it) and the WRX I drove was a huge letdown. The N seems like in a class of itself in this segment, it punches way above it's weight and the competition all has some large issue. Seems like the obvious and best choice.