General EK9 Specification
The EK9 is the first officially labelled Type R Civic. Never officially imported into either Europe or USA, the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) models are infrequently seen in the UK only due to private imports.
Engine Details
The EK9 is powered by the legendary, exclusively developed B16B engine.
- Engine Capacity & Type: 1.6-litre (1595cc) DOHC VTEC IL4
- Maximum Power: 185ps (183bhp) @ 8200rpm
- Maximum Torque: 160Nm @ 7500rpm (16.3 kgm)
- Maximum RPM: 9100 RPM
- VTEC Entry Point: 6200 RPM
- Transmission Type: FWD with torque-sensitive Helical LSD, 5-speed manual.
- Weight: 1090kg (stock)
Car Performance
Performance figures for JDM Honda Civic Type-R according to UK's Performance Car magazine in May 1998 (stock / unmodified):
- 0-60mph: 5.7 seconds
- 0-100mph: 17.5 seconds
- 0-1/4 mile: 15.0 seconds at 94mph
- Top speed: All JDM Hondas are speed limited to around 185kph (115mph). Unlimited, a stock EK9 is claimed to reach 148mph, although rarely verified for legal reasons.
Characteristics
It must be remembered that the EK9 is not a supercar or even a top-end sports car. The Ek9 is simply a remarkable hot-hatch from a racing background. It's very economical when driven sedately, allowing me to personally achieve over 42mpg. The engine is remarkably quiet when cruising (out of VTEC) even though the car has no sound insulation (as standard) to reduce weight. As standard the car is very practical for daily driving and is astonishingly reliable, as many Honda and other Japanese cars are reknowned for. (Personal changes to my car to suit my needs, including lowered and stiffened suspension, has made it less practical where speed ramps and potholes are involved!) Despite all these above features being retained it has the ability to out-accelerate the majority of factory cars and with wonderful handling can put a huge smile on the drivers face!
Power Efficiency of Engine
There are those that say 'there is no replacement for displacement' and in theory I would agree. However, I will argue that in common practice, engine efficiency is a substitute. (With respect to horsepower, not fuel consumption.) Don't get me wrong; I am a fan of V8's and can be found admiring the likes of 12+ litre pro mods and top fuel V8s in drag racing pits. My point is that in many cases outside of a race venue, large displacement seems to cause laziness on behalf of manufacturers, in respect of efficiency.
Comparing the legendary B16B 1.6 litre engine found in the EK9 with many other road cars, the efficiency (deriving as much horsepower for each cc of engine) is astounding. The EK9 beats the Ferrari Enzo by a comfortable margin and outshines the BMW M3 E46 which actually used the horsepower per cc efficiency as a bragging point in it's marketing campaign.
All figures are from numerous agreeing online sources including official manufacturer sites and independent tests. Geneneric rounded engine capacities are used where exact capacities were not available. (Usually no more than 5cc!)
| MAKE | MODEL | BHP (PS) | CAPACITY (CC) | BHP / CC |
| Ford | Focus CC CC-1 1.6 | 100 | 1596 | 62.66 |
| VW | Golf Mk6 1.6l | 101 | 1600 | 63.13 |
| Vauxhall | Corsa 1.4 Sri | 90 | 1400 | 64.29 |
| Ford | Mustang GT | 300 | 4600 | 65.22 |
| BMW | M3 E3 Spec | 195 | 2300 | 84.78 |
| Ford | Focus ST | 170 | 2000 | 85.00 |
| Lamborghini | Diablo GTR | 590 | 6000 | 98.33 |
| Honda | Civic EK4 VTi | 163 | 1597 | 102.82 |
| VW | Golf Mk6 GTI | 204 | 1984 | 102.82 |
| Ford | Focus RS | 212 | 2000 | 106.00 |
| Porche | Carerra GT | 605 | 5700 | 106.14 |
| BMW | M3 E46 | 343 | 3200 | 107.19 |
| Ferarri | Enzo | 651 | 6000 | 108.50 |
| Honda | Civic EK9 | 185 | 1597 | 115.84 |
| Ferarri | 430 | 500 | 4200 | 119.05 |
| Bugatti | Veyron (Quad turbo) | 1001 | 8000 | 125.13 |
| VW | Golf Mk6 R (GTI-R) Turbo | 266 | 1984 | 134.07 |
The turbo engines do understandably have an advantage through the nature of their design (not counting towards engine capacity though providing large increases in power). Whilst bhp is a common way to comprehend power, torque is certainly important and is an area where the engine designs of the Civics do not perform so spectacularly. Though, as with all cars, you have to ask yourself what the engine is intended, what you wish it to excel in and most importantly, whether you enjoy driving it.