The horsepower of a 1998 Civic depends on the trim and market, ranging from about 92 hp in the economy-focused VX to about 160 hp in the performance-oriented Si. Most U.S. Civics that year fell in the 106–127 hp range, with the Si delivering the peak output.
In 1998, the Civic was in its seventh generation (1996–2000) and was offered in several trims with distinct engines. In the United States, common configurations included DX, LX, EX, Si, and VX, each aligning with a specific horsepower figure.
Horsepower by trim
Below is a snapshot of typical US-market horsepower ratings for the 1998 Civic by trim.
- DX/LX — 106 hp
- EX — 127 hp
- Si — 160 hp
- VX — 92 hp
Note: These figures are approximate and reflect typical factory ratings for the U.S. market in 1998. Actual horsepower can vary slightly by production year, market, and specific engine variant.
Engine details by trim
DX/LX — 106 hp
Engine: 1.6L SOHC D16Y7. Output typically around 106 hp at 6,300 rpm with torque near 103 lb-ft. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, depending on the model year and configuration.
EX — 127 hp
Engine: 1.6L DOHC VTEC D16Y8. Output around 127 hp (roughly 6,600 rpm) with torque near 114 lb-ft. Usually paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; VTEC contributes to higher peak output.
Si — 160 hp
Engine: 1.6L DOHC VTEC B16A2. Output approximately 160 hp, delivering strong performance for a 4-door compact of its era. Torque sits around the low 100 lb-ft range; typical transmission was a 5-speed manual.
VX — 92 hp
Engine: 1.6L DOHC VTEC-E D16Y5. Output around 92 hp, optimized for fuel economy more than outright power. Often paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; geared toward efficiency rather than performance.
Summary
In short, a 1998 Honda Civic does not have a single horsepower figure—the rating depends on the trim. The range spans from about 92 hp (VX) up to about 160 hp (Si), with the DX/LX typically around 106 hp and the EX around 127 hp. For a specific vehicle, verify the exact engine code (D16Y7, D16Y8, B16A2, D16Y5) on the engine bay label or under the hood to confirm the precise horsepower.