So I’m on the Honda website playing with the build-a-Civic Hatchback and I see the EX-L has a 1.5 at 180hp while the SPORT and LX has a 2.0 at 158. The larger 2.0 has less HP???
What’s the deal? Just the turbo on the smaller 1.5?
Pros and cons for each as far as reliability?

 

In their stock forms, either choice has shown a very reliable history considering they are only 7 years old. IF you intend to increase the performance of the engine, the 1.5L Turbo engine is the easy choice since almost no support exists for the 2.0L NA engine. Turbochargers ARE like increased displacement, so yes, the 1.5L Turbo engine is far more powerful than the 2.0L Naturally Aspirated engine.

 

Several mechanics have told me to avoid the 1.5 turbo IF I want it to last like a civic, 280k+.
To get the longer trouble-free life from a civic they said stick with the non turbo or go with the 2.0-liter engine.

Id like to see the 2.0-liter turbo engine offered in the sport touring or the Integra as I think it is the best of both worlds.

They don't need to squeeze 300 hp from it like in a type r, but easily 225+ making it extremely fun to drive, more reliable without the oil issues of the 1.5 and for my driving, probably the perfect match.
I don't need the aggressive Type R performance although I would love to have it just for fun, I really would like to see 2.0 liter turbo in the Integra or touring Civic, to me that would be the Civic for me.
The Type r is too expensive for me at this point, so my plan was buying a sport with the 158 hp 2.0 liter, pay it off in 30 months or less, add a down payment to the trade and then grab a Type R in 2025/26 depending on what has happened by then, or what other options we might have in the touring edition or the Integra at that point.
I would be very happy with a 2.0-liter turbo in a model that also offered the wireless charging, a HUD, etc... a mix of luxury and sport with a 6 speed manual.

 

I have a 2019 Civic Hatch with the 1.5 Turbo and its awesome. Its like my 10th Honda I have owned a Prelude,2000 Civic Si B16A2 and even a 2001 S2K but I have say this hatch been among my favourites. Having low end torque in a Honda is nice, Sure its fun running up the revs to 8000 in the B16 or 9K in S2K but that gets old eventually or maybe I have gotten older I guess. This engine only revs to 6500 but I don't even need to because the turbo kicks in a lot earlier than that. A buddy of mine works as a tech at the local Honda dealer and he has seen vehicles with the 1.5 Turbo with over 200000 miles on them still working perfectly. Mine only has 40000 miles on it because I don't drive much anymore but I would definitely recommend it.

 

I recently installed a throttle controller by Ultimate 9 in my 2020 LX and this has fixed the sluggish acceleration it has!

 

What is it about the factory turbo that reduces the reliability over time? I just picked up a 1.5T and have filled up only once, so I'm curious.

- If it's the same car, same dimensions; wouldn't the 2.0L only stand to have less meat in the block chamber over the 1.5L...or is it the recycling of exhaust gasses that could wear down the kombini chamber? Could an intercooler help with this?

I don't know man, I'm a car noob but have to post to create my own threads. Not even sure if this counts as a post.

 

It's a turbo! it will eventually need to be serviced, so it's more wear and tear items attached to the engine which can reduce reliability compared to the N.A 2.0L. Also, the 1.5L are known to have much more issues than the 2.0L, oil/ fuel dilution is one. They do seem to get better MPG than the 2.0L but that's because of the turbo which makes it more efficient. But in my 2.0 LX I average 40-42 MPG mostly freeway driving with ECO on. Very satisfied with the trim. I could care less about a few more HP it's a daily and commuter I have faster cars for those days I get an itch..

 

Personally, I think the Civic Sport with the 2.0 liter ids the best option.
this engine is bullet proof, yes, it has less horsepower, but it also doesn't have oil dilution issues and it has port injection, so no carbon build up like in the direct injected cars like the 1.5 turbo.
the turbo on that 1.5 pushes the engine harder and has and can have issues.
The perfect fun car and reliable to me, is the sport with a 6 speed manual and 2.0 liter earth dreams motor, cant go wrong with this set up, most reliable.

 

Damn, I wish I had taken the time out to join the forum before my recent purchase. I'll try to dig deeper into these issue to see if there is anything preventative that I can try to do. Thanks for the response as I thought this is what engineers are supposed to address during design.

Thanks for the response.

 

Hello I'm new to the forums and I had a question, if someone could help me answer, that would be great! I have a 2023 FL1 with the six speed manual and not to long ago I purchased a PRL short ram intake and its been fantastic. But when I do hit a higher rpm around 4.5-5k and I upshift I swear I can hear my turbo flutter. I was wondering if this is a normal thing with a short ram intake or if the stock BOV cant release the extra boost?