Honda K20A, K20C1 and K24 Compared and Contrasted

Some members of the Honda community might think that the two K-Series engines are similar, but they are not.

The Honda K-Series engine family was introduced in the United States in the Acura RSX, but it was used in many different North American models over the years. This high-revving, naturally aspirated engine quickly became a favorite subject for an engine swap into older models, but when the K20C1 in the new Civic Type R was introduced, many people were surprised to see how differently the two K-Series engines function.

Even though these two K-Series engines perform very differently, some Honda enthusiasts mistakenly believe that they are still relatively similar, so forum moderator “The Shodan” put together a short thread that clearly details the similarities and differences between the K20A and the K20C1, featuring two excellent videos from the Dust Runners Automotive Journal YouTube channel.

Honda K-Series Comparison Introduction

When the OP first shared this comparison information on the Honda K-Series engines to the forum, he opens by explaining why this thread came to life.

This topic has come up a lot recently in the K-series and FI forums lately, and although some have been led to believe that they are, in fact, the same engine, they really don’t appear to be. Now, I understand that it might be obvious to some of the more well-informed enthusiasts, but let’s face it, people look at similar engine codes and believe that just because they are basically the same package, that their characteristics are similar. We know better than that, though, right?

So, here are two videos that show a bit more of the in-depth differences of the K20A and K20C. I’ll keep this up as a sticky, and even put it in the FI forums for those to see too.

He also shared two videos; the one above comparing the K20A to the K20C1 and the one below comparing the K20 to the K24.

Video Breakdown

In the video above, the Honda K20A and K20C1 are compared and contrasted, providing information on each in stock form. This piece isn’t so much about which is better as much as it is intended to showcase how the two K-Series engines differ. Of course, the key difference is the fact that the K20A is naturally aspirated while the K20C1 is turbocharged, but that it just one of the many variables that make the two popular engines different, including different forms of the VTEC system.

The second video (below) is literally a comparison of the K20 and K24, looking at which is better for the various functions. The clip begins with an explanation of how the two engines differ, which is mostly in the engine stroke, but that leads to better low end torque. However, the K24 engines aren’t as common and the stronger versions power expensive models like the Acura TSX, so they cost more than a K20 from a Civic or RSX. However, if you have the money to spend and you can find a good K24, that is the better option for big power.

Click here to visit the thread and share your insight.

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com