The 1993 Del Sol offered two engine options depending on trim: a 1.6-liter SOHC D-series engine in the base models and a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine in the Si performance trim.
In the United States, the Del Sol was typically sold as the S (base) and Si, with the S using a non-VTEC 1.6-liter engine and the Si featuring Honda’s DOHC VTEC 1.6-liter powerplant. This article outlines those options, their expected performance, and how they affected ownership today.
Engine options by trim
Below are the two engine configurations historically associated with the 1993 Del Sol, broken out by trim to aid identification and quick comparisons.
- Del Sol S/Base: 1.6-liter inline-four from the D-series family, non-VTEC. Typical output is around 105–110 horsepower with roughly 100–110 lb-ft of torque.
- Del Sol Si: 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four (B-series family). Typical output is around 160–170 horsepower with roughly 110–120 lb-ft of torque.
In summary, the engine choice largely determined whether the car offered modest everyday performance (S/base) or significantly stronger, VTEC-enabled performance (Si). This distinction also influenced maintenance considerations and part compatibility over the car’s life.
Market variations and engine notes
Engine designations can vary by market and model year, but the two-trim arrangement described above is the most commonly documented setup for the 1993 Del Sol in North America and many export versions.
US-spec engines
In the U.S., the S/base model relied on a non-VTEC 1.6-liter engine, while the Si used a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC motor, delivering notably higher performance and rev-happy characteristics associated with VTEC technology.
Other markets
Outside the United States, Honda’s Del Sol lineup sometimes featured similar displacement engines with different tuning, emission controls, or trim names, but the general split between a non-VTEC base and a VTEC-equipped sport variant remained common.
Performance context and ownership considerations
Owners considering a 1993 Del Sol should weigh the difference between the two engines in terms of daily drivability, maintenance costs, fuel economy, and potential upgrades. The VTEC-equipped Si tends to appeal to enthusiasts due to higher power output, while the base S model offers simpler, potentially lower-cost ownership and easier maintenance for casual drivers.
Summary
The 1993 Honda Del Sol offered two primary engine setups: a 1.6-liter non-VTEC SOHC engine in the base S model and a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine in the Si. This split defined performance and maintenance considerations, with the Si delivering substantially higher horsepower due to VTEC technology. Market variations existed, but the two-engine, two-trim approach is the core, widely documented configuration for this model year.