Legendary Motor Matchup #4
Every Tuesday for 10 weeks, starting March 3, 2020, we will present one head-to-head challenge. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to cast your vote on each matchup. The results will tally on the Top 10 Legendary Motors page every week.
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Tuesday, March 24–28
Honda B-Series
The Honda B-Series engines were Honda's performance option featuring dual overhead cams along with the first application of Honda's VTEC system (Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control).
For those who haven't experienced VTEC, it is a visceral, engaging ride that tingles the brain as these motors max out to redline.
Nothing sounds quite like a Honda B at full tilt. When the RPM crests 5500 RPM (a redline for many motors), Jekyll turns into Hyde, screaming its way to a 8,200 redline depending on the VTEC spec engine.
The B-Series is legendary when it comes to JDM motors, for being able to produce very impressive amounts of power with small-displacement applications. One big reason—horsepower per litre, making this engine the first production unit to eclipse 100hp per litre.
To give it context, a modern Ford Mustang 5.0L Coyote engine outputs around 420 horsepower, putting it at 84hp/litre, quite an impressive feat. The Honda B16A, which was released back in 1989, output 160 horsepower, putting it at 100hp/litre. That's right, an engine from 28 years ago put out more power per litre than a modern 5.0L V8 with features like direct injection.
The B16B engine placed in the legendary Honda Civic Type R (1995–2000) produced a whopping 187 bhp, which was more horsepower per litre than most supercars at the time, putting it at an insane 116 horsepower per litre!
High-output versions of the Honda B were not only one of the most engaging motors, they earned a reputation for impressive fuel economy, easy maintenance, and robust longevity, often surpassing the survival of the actual host it’s found in.
It’s why this motor is MOONRCKT matchup worthy—maybe even making into the top three?
VW Inline-4 Turbo
The award-winning EA888 motor made by Volkswagen AG—the world's largest car manufacturer—is found in too many vehicles to list here.
This motor came in many different power configurations, ranging from 170–310 hp between 2008 to the present day.
Like the Honda B-Series motor, this VW bread-and-butter mill also comes in an inline-4 cylinder transversely mounted, but with a nifty cylinder head that integrates the exhaust manifold, and a compact turbocharger.
The motor, in its 1.8L configuration, is very capable of appealing to shoppers on a budget.
But for the enthusiast, it's the high-output 2.0L engine's popularity and its robust design that gives the ability to add power with minor upgrades, yet without affecting reliability.
Add a downpipe, intake, and ECU remap to the 2.0T engine, and enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy a 60 whp boost and a tire-smoking extra 140 ft-lbs of torque. Add a bigger turbo and these motors can produce a reliable 600 whp!
The competition in this motor segment has grown fierce, as small, light and powerful, turbocharged 2.0-litre inline fours have become one of the most common engine configurations used by automakers—all looking for power, packaging advantages, and additional fuel economy.
Compact, fuel efficient, highly tunable, reliable, and at a lower price, packaged in a light car that has been around for 45 years (you know of the legendary hot-hatch we're talking about here), adding this engine to the list was a no-brainer.