The 2008 Civic Type S is commonly listed with about 198 PS (roughly 195 horsepower) from its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine. Exact figures vary by market and how horsepower is measured.
Official horsepower figures by market
The Type S used a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder tuned for sportier performance. In Europe, it was rated at 198 PS (approximately 195 hp) at around 7,000 rpm.
- European/UK Civic Type S: 198 PS (about 195 hp) from a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine, rated at roughly 7,000 rpm.
This reflects the European specialization of the Type S as a sport-oriented hatch in that market.
- United States and other markets: Honda did not offer a Civic Type S in 2008; the closest performance variant available was the Civic Si, rated at 197 hp.
That means the "Type S" badge in 2008 was largely a European phenomenon, with the U.S. lineup using the Si for comparable output.
Context and performance considerations
Horsepower is one piece of the performance puzzle. The Type S aimed for high-rev excitement and nimble handling rather than just raw power, so weight, gearing, and chassis tuning also shaped its on-road feel. In markets without a Type S badge, enthusiasts often compare it to the Civic Si for similar power characteristics.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Civic Type S is typically listed at about 198 PS (195 hp) from its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine, a figure that reflects European-market specifications. In the United States, Honda did not offer a Type S that year—the closest equivalent was the Civic Si at 197 hp.