It sure was.
But I remember when my mate got one after they'd beren out for 3 years, it was immaculate with sod-all miles on it, and had lost most of its value.
Came to bite him in the ass though when the brakes needed an overhaul, there wasn't a "specialist" option back then, so instead of footing the £1500 charge from ford he got a Civic Type-R instead. It was a sad day.
In fairness, on our buckled and knackered B-roads, my MX-3 used to hold onto it with conviction, mostly because I wasn't having my spine smashed in. On straights V6 power won out too, which, given I was 20hp down, was suprising.
Still, I'd have good examples of either, or both, on my driveway, without argument