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Is the Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo fast?

The Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo is a compact car that offers a balance of performance, efficiency, and practicality. While it may not be the fastest car in its class, it delivers a respectable level of acceleration and top speed that should satisfy most drivers.


Performance Specifications


The Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo is powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 123 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option.


In terms of acceleration, the Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 10 seconds with the manual transmission, and slightly slower with the CVT. The top speed is around 124 mph.


Comparison to Other Compact Cars


While the Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo may not be the fastest car in its class, it holds its own against other compact models. For example, the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI produces 147 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in around 8.5 seconds, making it slightly quicker than the Civic. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has a 139 horsepower engine and takes around 10.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.


It's important to note that performance is not the only factor to consider when choosing a compact car. The Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo also offers excellent fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and a spacious interior, making it a well-rounded and practical choice for many drivers.

Which Civic is the fastest?


Type R
The fastest Honda Civic is the Type R, thanks to a 2.0-liter turbo-4 outputting 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Which Honda Civic has VTEC? The EX and LX trims have a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine.



Are Honda VTEC engines fast?


Rapid High Speeds
Whether VTEC or i-VTEC engines are installed, the technology also allows you to switch from low speed to high speed at a much faster rate. You get different degrees of control over the intake stroke as more air passes through the camshafts.



Is VTEC basically a turbo?


VTEC Turbo engines come in three displacement capacities: a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder, a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder, and a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder. Initial implementation for European vehicles included 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine used from 2015 Honda Civic Type R until present, which included Euro 6 emissions compliance.



Do Hondas use wet belts?


For Civic 1ltr > Only
A Wet Belt is a cambelt/timing belt that runs inside the engine rather than outside like other models and is called 'wet' because it is in the oil gallery, Failure to replace the wet timing belt at the correct interval can result in engine damage or failure.



How fast is a Honda Civic with a turbo?


Specs: 2021 Civic

2021 Honda Civic Engine Specs
Trim LevelsEngine SizeTop Speed
Touring1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder137mph (Estimated)
EX-L1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder137mph (Estimated)
EX1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder137mph (Estimated)



Is the Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo reliable?


Our data suggests the Honda Civic is a mostly reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked 16th out 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score of 90.5% means the Civic is more reliable than the Mazda 3 and Mercedes A-Class, but less reliable than the Ford Focus and Kia Ceed.



How fast is the Honda Civic VTEC?


The 2025 Honda Civic Sport can reach a top speed of 124 mph and can go from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The Honda Civic Type R is the highest-performing Civic with a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and triple-outlet exhaust.



At what speed does VTEC kick in?


between 4500 and 6000 RPM
VTEC is activated automatically by the ECU controlling solenoid(s) when the engine revs climb past a certain point. Stock, it's usually between 4500 and 6000 RPM depending on the engine.



How much HP does a turbo add to a Civic?


(SAE net @ 1,700-5,500 rpm) — a significant upgrade of 16 horsepower and 24 lb. -ft. of torque over Civic's standard naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.



How long will a Honda turbo last?


150,000 miles
Turbo engines, with good care and maintenance, may last the life of the vehicle. Depending on how well you maintain it, it can last 150,000 miles or more. However, just like every other component of a car, their engines might wear out before reaching 100,000 miles.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.