B16a or B18c ? EG or EK ?

Hi all...I am dude from Sydney , Australia - and it is my turn to tune a car... since there is soo many turbocharged wooshs around here ( note , too many WRX and 200sx ) I really want a fast , cheap little ride. I have my eyes set on either a EG ( 92-95) civic or a EK ( 95-99 ) civic - preferably hatch of each.

I then want to transplant the engine , either a b16a or a b18c - On a budget of around $20000 AU ( about $10000 USD ) I want to effitienlty build up, strengthen and make reliable of this car .

What is the better car for a engine build ? which engine suits better for power ? ( price vs reliability vs power )

Thanks all -