How much horsepower does a 1985 Honda Civic have?
The horsepower of a 1985 Honda Civic varies by engine and market, so there isn’t a single figure. In general, 1985 Civics used small four-cylinders with power ranging from roughly 60–70 horsepower for the 1.3-liter engines to about 75–92 horsepower for the 1.5-liter variants, depending on fuel delivery and regional specifications.
Engine options in the 1985 Civic
The 1985 Civic was sold worldwide with a few different engine configurations. Here are the typical stock ranges you might encounter on that model year:
- 1.3-liter inline-four carburated engine: approximately 60–64 horsepower.
- 1.3-liter inline-four fuel-injected variant: roughly 65–70 horsepower.
- 1.5-liter inline-four fuel-injected engine: typically about 75–92 horsepower, depending on market and emission controls.
The figures above reflect factory-rated power at the crank for stock, unmodified engines. Real-world numbers can vary with wear, tuning, fuel quality, and testing standards.
How to verify the exact horsepower on your car
To determine the precise horsepower for a specific 1985 Civic, you should identify the exact engine configuration and reference the original specifications for your market. Here are practical steps to verify:
- Locate the engine code stamped on the engine block or valve cover, which helps identify the exact engine family you have.
- Check the original window sticker, owner's manual, or dealership data for the official horsepower rating for your market.
- Consult reliable Honda service data or a trusted parts database to map the engine code to its horsepower specification.
Note that horsepower ratings from the era can differ due to measurement standards (such as SAE gross vs. SAE net) and regional emissions equipment, so the exact number may vary slightly depending on source.
Measurement standards and market variations
During the mid-1980s, horsepower ratings were influenced by the testing standard used and by regional equipment. European, Japanese, and American Civics could carry different ratings for seemingly similar engines due to emissions equipment and measurement conventions, so it’s important to confirm the rating from a source tied to your specific market and vehicle.
Summary
In short, a 1985 Honda Civic does not have a single universal horsepower figure. Most examples with a 1.3-liter engine sit around 60–70 horsepower, while those with a 1.5-liter engine typically range from about 75 to 92 horsepower, with exact figures depending on market, emissions equipment, and whether the engine is carbureted or fuel-injected. For an exact number on a particular car, check the engine code, original documentation, or Honda’s historical data for that market.
What engine did the 1985 Civic have?
The Si's debut in the US market came in the form of the 1985 Civic CRX Si, a sporty 2-seat coupe developing 91 hp from its 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four engine with a 12-valve cross-flow head.
Which Honda Civic has 200 hp?
The 2025 Honda Civic Si is powered by a 6-Speed Manual Transmission and a 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine. How powerful is the new 2025 Honda Civic Si? The 2025 Honda Civic Si delivers an impressive 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. What safety features are included in the 2025 Honda Civic Si?
How much is a 1985 Honda Civic worth?
1985 Honda Civic base price starts at $5,578 to $8,828.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Honda Big Red 250 have?
Factory-rated output was 18 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission with an automatic clutch and reverse gear as well as an enclosed driveshaft.
