Honda Civic Legacy: Spiritual Leaders of Each Generation (Part 1)

[Knowledge Series] The Spirit Leaders of Each Generation of Honda Civics (Part 1)

Original by Honda誌 | JDM Enthusiasts’ Journal | Updated Today
🚗 The Honda Civic series has a history spanning 47 years since its debut on July 12, 1972. From the start, it has been known for its front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform or an FWD-based all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. By the 1990s, the Civic had established itself as a strong contender—or even a record holder—for the title of the fastest FWD car, an achievement car enthusiasts worldwide continue to admire.


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Naturally, competitors like Volkswagen have tried to challenge this reputation, often comparing the Type R with the Golf R in straight-line acceleration tests. However, few dare to match the two on a racetrack. Speed, after all, is not just about straight-line performance. Could a Golf R outshine a Type R on a real racetrack? The Civic's engineering, such as the rear suspension design, consistently proves why Honda remains a dominant force.


This article, referencing official content from the Honda Collection Hall, explores the "spiritual leaders" of the Civic series over its 47-year journey.
The First Generation: Civic 1200 RS (1974)
The first-generation Civic offered two body styles: two-door and three-door versions. The high-performance models included the 1200 RS (SB1) introduced in 1974 with the EB engine and the 1500 RS in 1975 with the EC engine, offering up to 76 horsepower (compared to the standard 60 hp).


🏁 Key Specs:
Engine: EB Type (1,169 cc)
Max Horsepower: 76 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Weight: 705 kg
Suspension: Independent Strut System
The Third Generation: Civic Si (1984)
Introduced in September 1983, the third-generation Civic marked Honda's first "Japan Car of the Year" win. The Civic Si (AT) featured a 1.6L ZC DOHC engine, delivering 135 hp and earning recognition as a high-performance FWD car.


🏁 Key Specs:
Engine: ZC Type (1,590 cc)
Max Horsepower: 135 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Weight: 890 kg
Suspension: Torsion Bar
The Fourth Generation: Civic SiR (1989)
Launched in September 1987, the fourth-generation Civic (EF) introduced a double-wishbone suspension system for superior handling. The high-performance SiR (EF9) debuted in 1989, powered by a 160 hp B16A engine, a major milestone for the Civic's "spiritual leader" legacy.


🏁 Key Specs:
Engine: B16A Type (1,595 cc)
Max Horsepower: 160 hp @ 7,600 rpm
Weight: 1,050 kg
Suspension: Double Wishbone
The Fifth Generation: Civic SiR II (EG6, 1991)
Released in September 1991, the fifth-generation Civic refined its B16A engine, boosting output to 170 hp (manual). Although this model missed the Type R era, it laid the groundwork for future Civic success.


🏁 Key Specs:
Engine: B16A Type (1,595 cc)
Max Horsepower: 170 hp @ 7,800 rpm
Weight: 1,090 kg
Suspension: Double Wishbone
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover the EK9, EP3, FD2, and FN2!