What engine is in 02 Acura RSX base?
The 2002 Acura RSX Base is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, the K20A3, delivering about 160 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque. It could be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engine overview
The RSX Base uses Honda's K-series engine family, featuring a DOHC i-VTEC setup designed to balance everyday usability with accessible performance. The 2.0-liter layout sits transversely in front-wheel-drive models, aligning with the RSX’s sporty yet practical character.
Key specs for the RSX Base engine:
- Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Engine code: K20A3
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC i-VTEC
- Power: 160 horsepower
- Torque: 141 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Note: Power figures can vary slightly by market and model year; the numbers above reflect the US-spec 2002 RSX Base.
Context within the RSX lineup
Within the RSX range, the Base model offered the 2.0L engine with a more modest output, while the RSX Type-S used a higher-performance variant of the same family to deliver roughly 210 horsepower with a different intake/exhaust setup and a six-speed manual transmission. The RSX line, introduced to replace the Integra in Acura’s lineup, relied on the flexible K-series architecture to blend everyday usability with a spirited driving experience.
Summary
In short, the 2002 Acura RSX Base is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 K20A3 engine, producing about 160 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque, available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
