argatoga
Can't Start His Wank
I simply hate being in a car that revvs too high at highway speeds. A buddy of mine has a 2002 Mazda Protege (manual) and it was doing around 3500 rpm at 120 km/h (70 MPH). Even though it was a short trip, I hated it because of constant engine boom inside the cabin.
My mom's matrix does a little better (3000 rpm at 120 km/h) with it's auto tranny. My next car will probably be a 2001/2002 Corolla because I found out that that thing only does 2400 rpm at 120 km/h (auto tranny). Another thing, if an engine revvs high for a long amount of time (over 3000 rpm), it gives me the feeling that it's just working too hard, I don't like that.
Basically, the lower RPM at a certain speed, the better for both efficiency and lifespan of the engine. I high-revving engine also produces more friction in the air, which also isn't good for efficiency.
I can also point out that the 2010 Civic you want to get also revs quite low because it's auto is a 5-speed unit.
You would hate my Dad's MGB. ~65hp four pot with no overdrive or roof. 3500 RPM freeway. Though you can't hear it as much with the wind buffeting.