The Del Sol was powered by two main four‑cylinder engines during its run: a smaller 1.5‑liter D‑series in base trims and a 1.6‑liter DOHC VTEC in sportier trims. In North America, the VTEC option is the one most buyers remember.
Engine options by trim and market
In the United States and Canada, the Del Sol offered two primary engine choices depending on trim level:
- 1.5‑liter four‑cylinder (D‑series) used in the base Del Sol models
- 1.6‑liter DOHC VTEC four‑cylinder (commonly a B‑series family unit) used in the higher‑performance Si/VTEC models
In short, the base car came with a smaller engine focused on economy, while the sportier variants swapped in Honda's VTEC 1.6L for higher performance.
International and Japanese variants
Around the globe, the Del Sol followed a similar pattern: most international and JDM versions used a 1.6‑liter engine with VTEC in higher trims, while some markets offered non‑VTEC 1.5–1.6‑liter options in base models. This kept the car responsive for enthusiasts while still appealing to buyers prioritizing economy.
- 1.6‑liter DOHC VTEC engine in many international Del Sols (typically delivering around 160 hp, depending on market and model year)
- 1.5–1.6‑liter non‑VTEC engines in certain base variants for some markets
Thus, across markets the Del Sol’s powertrain balance centered on a smaller, efficient engine for base versions and a more capable VTEC 1.6L for the performance‑oriented trims.
Performance context
Power figures varied by year and market, but typical ranges were roughly 90–110 hp for the base 1.5L D‑series and about 160 hp for the 1.6L DOHC VTEC engines in Si/VTEC trims. The VTEC variants also offered higher torque and more aggressive timing curves to suit the roadster’s sporty intent.
Summary
The Honda Del Sol’s propulsion primarily consisted of a base 1.5‑liter D‑series engine and a 1.6‑liter DOHC VTEC option for sportier trims. Market differences meant some regions used non‑VTEC variants as the base engine, while most higher trims leaned on the 1.6L VTEC for stronger performance. Taken together, the Del Sol offered a practical economy engine and a spirited VTEC alternative that defined the model’s appeal.