How much horsepower does a 1979 Honda Civic have?
The 1979 Honda Civic typically delivered about 60 horsepower in the United States, with some export markets offering versions around 65–67 horsepower depending on tuning and emission rules.
Engine options and power outputs
Across markets, power figures for the 1979 Civic varied mainly by engine tuning and emissions regulations. The list below outlines the most common configurations you might encounter in documentation from the era.
- United States: 1.3-liter CVCC engine (D13A) ≈ 60 horsepower (SAE net).
- Non-US markets (Europe/Japan): 1.3-liter CVCC engine tuned for slightly higher output ≈ 65–67 horsepower (ratings vary by standard, e.g., SAE net vs. gross or JIS).
Overall, the Civic’s horsepower in 1979 sits in the low- to mid-60s range, with US-spec models around 60 hp and export variants closer to 65–67 hp depending on measurement standards.
Notes on horsepower measurements in the era
During the 1970s, horsepower was reported using different standards across regions. SAE gross ratings often indicated higher numbers than SAE net ratings, and some markets used local rating conventions, which can explain apparent discrepancies between figures from the same engine in different brochures or catalogs.
Summary
The 1979 Honda Civic is typically cited as delivering roughly 60 horsepower in the U.S. market, with international versions offering about 65–67 horsepower. The exact figure depends on the market, emission tuning, and whether the rating uses SAE gross, SAE net, or other regional standards. This reflects Honda’s early CVCC design and the era’s diverse measuring practices.
