In short, it depends on the trim. The base Del Sol used a 1.6-liter SOHC D-series engine (D16Y7), while the sportier Del Sol Si featured a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine (B16A).
Engine options by trim
The 1994 Del Sol lineup offered two main engine paths based on trim and market. The following outlines each path’s key characteristics.
Non-VTEC base engine: D16Y7
- Engine code: D16Y7
- Displacement: 1.6 L (1590 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve
- VTEC: No
- Estimated power: around 105–110 hp
- Torque: roughly 100 lb-ft
- Common transmission: 5-speed manual (variants with an automatic were offered in some markets)
Base Del Sols emphasized reliability and efficiency, with modest power output compared to the VTEC version.
VTEC performance engine: B16A
- Engine code: B16A
- Displacement: 1.6 L (1595 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4, DOHC, VTEC
- VTEC: Yes
- Estimated power: around 160–170 hp
- Torque: roughly 110–120 lb-ft
- Common transmission: 5-speed manual
This setup provided a markedly stronger performance profile, reflecting Honda’s VTEC emphasis in sportier trims.
Market variations
Engine availability can vary by year and region. In the United States, the base Del Sol typically used the D16Y7, while the Si/VTEC models carried the B16A engine. Other markets sometimes used related D-series or B-series variants with similar specifications.
Summary
The 1994 Honda Del Sol offered two main engine paths: a 1.6 L SOHC D16Y7 for base trims and a 1.6 L DOHC VTEC B16A for the sportier Si versions. The VTEC option delivered substantially more horsepower and a sportier feel, while the base engine prioritized practicality and efficiency.