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What engine did the Del Sol come with?

The Del Sol, Honda’s two-seat sports coupe produced from 1992 to 1998, offered two primary engine families that changed by year and market. In brief, base models used a 1.5-liter D-series engine, while higher-spec variants leaned on a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine from the B-series family.


Engine options by era and market


The following summarizes the two main engine families that powered the Del Sol, noting that specific trims and regions saw variations.



  • 1.5-liter inline-4 D-series (D15 family) engines used in base Del Sol S models and earlier trims.

  • 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engines from the B-series family (notably B16A/B16A2), used in higher-spec Del Sol variants such as Si and VTEC trims.


In summary, the Del Sol’s engine lineup largely centered on a base 1.5L D-series option and a more performance-oriented 1.6L DOHC VTEC option, with year-by-year and market variations shaping which trims received which powerplant.


United States configuration


In the U.S. market, the Del Sol began with a 1.5-liter D-series engine in the entry-level S model, and higher-trim versions adopted a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine from the B-series family (the Si and later VTEC variants). The VTEC-equipped versions aimed to offer a more spirited, performance-oriented experience compared with the base model.


International and market variations


Outside North America, the Del Sol generally followed the same two-engine structure, with the 1.5-liter D-series serving base applications and the 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC units powering higher-spec variants. Some markets received minor year-to-year adjustments within these families, but the fundamental options remained the same: a practical base engine and a more performance-focused VTEC alternative.


Summary


The Del Sol’s powertrain story is defined by two main choices: a 1.5-liter D-series base engine for entry-level models and a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine from the B-series for Si and VTEC trims. These options varied slightly by year and market, but the overall pattern remained consistent across its production run from 1992 to 1998.


Summary of key takeaways


Engine diversity in the Del Sol reflected its positioning as a sportier, affordable Honda model of the 1990s: two engines, one base and one performance-oriented, with regional adjustments over the years.

Which Del Sol came with B16?


In the US, the Del Sol VTEC came with B16. The S & SI models had D15/D16.



Is the Honda 1.5 or 2.0 better?


What's the Difference Between these Engines? Other than the difference in the liter size, there's a pretty big difference with the overall performance and efficiency. The 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine leads in both power and fuel efficiency.



What type of engine does a Honda Del Sol have?


The del Sol Si receives the 1.6-litre (98 cu in) 127 hp (95 kW) SOHC VTEC D16Y8 engine, as well as the suspension, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, and steering of the 160 hp (120 kW) VTEC trim. (U.S.) The del Sol VTEC receives the 1.6-litre (98 cu in) 160 hp (120 kW) DOHC VTEC B16A2 engine (U.S.)



Did the 1993 Del Sol have VTEC?


However, to keep Japanese-market performance enthusiasts happy, Honda is offering a zoomy 1.6-liter four with twin cams, sixteen valves, and VTEC (Honda's variable-valve-timing and lift system), good for 168 horsepower in the top-of-the-line CRX del Sol SiR.


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Kevin Bennett

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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.