What engine does an Acura RSX have?
The Acura RSX uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 with Honda’s i-VTEC system, delivered in two main configurations: the base RSX with the K20A3 engine producing about 160 horsepower, and the higher-performance RSX Type S with the K20A2 engine producing about 210 horsepower.
Overview of the RSX engine lineup
Below are the primary engines that powered US-spec RSX models, with their rough output and years of use.
- RSX Base: 2.0-liter inline-4 K20A3, i-VTEC; about 160 hp and roughly 142–143 lb-ft of torque; redline around 7,000–7,400 rpm depending on the year.
- RSX Type S: 2.0-liter inline-4 K20A2, i-VTEC; about 210 hp and around 142–143 lb-ft of torque; redline around 8,000 rpm.
The two engines use the same basic displacement but differ in compression, intake cam profiles, fuel delivery, and redline, delivering a distinctly different driving character between the base RSX and the Type S.
Technical details by engine
K20A3 — base RSX
Engine family: K-series, 2.0 L (2,000 cc). Configuration: inline-4, DOHC with i-VTEC. Output: approximately 160 hp at 7,000 rpm and 141–143 lb-ft of torque, with a redline near 7,000–7,400 rpm depending on model year. Used in US-market RSX from 2002 through mid-2004 updates; later years continued with similar specs in adjusted trim levels.
K20A2 — RSX Type S
Engine family: K-series, 2.0 L (2,000 cc). Configuration: inline-4, DOHC with i-VTEC. Output: 210 hp at 8,000 rpm and about 142–143 lb-ft of torque, high-revving with a redline around 8,000 rpm. Used in US-market RSX Type S from 2002 through 2006, with performance-tuned internals and higher compression for higher RPM power.
Summary
In short, the Acura RSX was powered by a pair of 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 engines: the base K20A3 delivering about 160 hp, and the performance-oriented K20A2 in the RSX Type S delivering about 210 hp. The Type S offered notably higher RPM capability and torque, while the base model emphasized daily drivability.
What kind of engine is in the Acura RSX?
Base. The base model comes standard with: 155 hp K20A3 motor.
What engine is in a 2003 RSX type S?
2002-2006 Acura RSX Type S
Powered by a new K-Series 2.0-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower (upgraded from the standard RSX's 160 hp), the liftback featured a 6-speed manual transmission exclusively.
What engine does a 2002 RSX type S have?
The 2002 Acura RSX Type-S is powered by a 2.0-liter K20A2 inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. This naturally aspirated engine features a high-performance version of Honda's i-VTEC system, a fixed, high-volume intake manifold, and is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Engine specifications
- Engine Code: K20A2
- Displacement: 2.0 liters (1998 cc)
- Horsepower: 200 hp at 7400 rpm
- Torque: 142 lb-ft at 6000 rpm
- Valvetrain: DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC
- Redline: 7900 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
- Fuel: Premium unleaded
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
Key features
- i-VTEC: The i-VTEC system, combined with VTC (Variable Timing Control) on the intake cam, helps optimize performance across the rev range.
- Intake Manifold: A high-volume, fixed intake manifold was used for the Type-S to boost power.
- Specific Output: The engine has a specific output of 100.1 bhp per liter, which was very high for a production engine at the time.
- Cooling System: The Type-S has a larger cooling system capacity of 5.6 US quarts compared to the base model.
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Does the RSX have a K20?
In engines such as the K20A2 found in the Acura RSX Type-S, the VTEC system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves, allowing both to benefit from multiple cam profiles.
