yes they are different.
The haynes manual i have shows them differently. The orientation along with the design varies. I believe the tensioner is larger and is not as adjustable as the vct one. I for one would rather have the non vct engine. Thats why its non vtec honda civic from now on.
Im getting the honda civic over this crap, too much to worry about and high maintenance costs
with a loss at the end of the day. Plus no resale value, ford should shape up a bit and make better cars.