k20a2 vs k20a3: Which One’s Better?

Choosing one between k20a2 and k2oa3 can be frustrating at times. But don’t worry! We will help you with your dilemma.

Honda K-series engines were introduced back in 2001. But, they were different from the previous B-series engine. That’s why everyone fell for it.

So, which one’s better between k20a2 vs k20a3?

Well, the capacity of both k20a2 and k20a3 is 2 litres. But the k20a2 has higher compression pistons, a more aggressive camshaft, and a dual valve spring. K20a2 is also known as the type s engine. Whereas, k20a3 is a base engine for the honda civic SI.

This won’t be enough for you to decide which one to go for. So, hop on to the detailed comparison. 

K20a2 Vs K20a3: Basic Differences

Both engines are of very good quality. Each has a purpose in their own respective worlds. 

K20a2 is a racing type-s engine that is made for upgrading your car. Whereas, K20a3 was made for the base model of Honda GSR or Si honda civic. 

So, as usual, it’s easy to guess which one has better performance. Though k20a3 is not an average engine at all. 

K-series engines were a revolutionary change in the honda engines. They introduced VTEC and IVTEC technology in both k20a2 and k2oa3.

So, let’s take a look at the basic differences between k20a2 and k20a3

Still can’t decide what you want? It’s okay, we got you! Sit back and enjoy a head-to-head comparison.  

K20a2 Vs K20a3: Head To Head Battle

We know just the basic differences won’t be enough. So, enjoy a head-to-head battle between k20a2 and k20a3.

1. Engine Power

The engine power matters a lot to all the racecar drivers out there. As the k20a2 is a high-performance type s engine, it has more power. The counterweighted crankshaft inside the engine creates a perfect balance for the engine.

K20a2 can produce 200 horsepower at 7400 revs per minute. This was one of the best records for a type s engine back in 2004.

On the other hand, K20a3 has no counterweighted crankshaft. So it can’t produce higher rpm. The horsepower of k20a3 is 160 at 6500 revs per minute. 

So, the difference between horsepower is 40 and the rpm difference is 900 rpm. So, the k20a2 is faster than the k20a3.  

2. Engine Torque

Engine torque is a vital factor for race cars as well as private sedan cars. This helps in the drift factor of the car. The better the torque, the better drift you can perform with the car.

The torque of k20a2 is 142 lb-ft at 6000 revs per minute. This is quite a good figure for an engine like this. 

The torque of k20a3 is also the same but with a lesser Rpm. The exact figure would be 142 lb-ft at 4000 revs per minute. 

So, you can see the k20a2 can push at higher rpm with the same momentum as k20a3. For better engine torque you can tune your engine.

Here are some top picked tuning equipment for you.

3. Red Line And Rev Limiter

There’s always a red line in your RPM meter. This red line means how far you can push after this rpm, but it’s risky. This is because the gearbox might burst or the fan belt might tear. 

So, the higher the red line, the better the car performs. The redline of k20a3 is 7000 rpm. Whereas, the red line for k20a2 is at 7900 rpm. Thus you can clearly see which one has better power. Even if you push 6800 rpm with your k20a3, you can’t beat a k20a2.

Rev limiter is almost the same as a red line. However, it won’t let you rev after a certain rpm. You have to change the gear to increase your rpm.

You can push up to 8250 rpm in a certain gear in the k20a2 engine. And the rev limiter for k20a3 is 7000 rpm. 

So, it goes without mentioning k20a2 is better for pushing your limits.   

4. i-Vtec Management

As we informed earlier, the i-vtec of k20a2 is far better than k20a3. Here you’ll get the details. 

The i-Vtec of k20a2 is advanced level including the VTC and VTEC. Though the VTEC of k20a2 can’t push very hard in the beginning. But, the whole i-vtec provides 5800 rpm in total.

Even if the i-vtec can’t provide more than 2300 rpm for k20a3, VTEC can push really hard. The twin-motor VTEC in k20a3 is really good for instant acceleration.

So, you know all about k20a2 and k20a3 engines. Now, we will talk about the final verdict. It’s our opinion. You might have other preferences. Here’s what we think-

Final Verdict

If you’re into racing with your car, the k20a2 engine is the one for you. However, for your day-to-day purposes, K20a3 is a beast engine designed for you.

Though you can push 180 kilometers per hour with your k2oa3. But k20a2 has better performance and better acceleration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is VTEC?

Answer: Full form of VTEC is Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control. This is a technology invented by Honda for introducing economy mode. Economy mode reduces fuel consumption at lower rpm.

Question: Which engine is used in Civic 2019? Is it better than k20a2?

Answer: A standard 2-liter i-VTEC engine is used in civic 2019. Yes, it’s far better than k20a2. K20a2 is the engine from 2004. So, obviously, they improved a lot in 15 years.

Question: How much horsepower the k20a3 can handle?

Answer: You can increase horsepower by tuning your engine. You can push the k20a3 up to 360 horsepower. If you want to push beyond, you’ve to change the rods and pistons.

Conclusion

Hope you’ve known enough about k20a2 Vs k20a3. Now, you shouldn’t face any problems choosing between these two.

One last piece of advice, don’t forget to change engine oil after every 3000 kilometers mileage. Old engine oil can be dangerous for the high-performance engine.

Let us know if you have any confusion in the comment section.

Till then, enjoy racing cars.

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Rob Dahm

My name is Rob Dham. I am the founder & managing editor of greaseandgears.com. I am trying to offer invaluable insights and solutions to everyday vehicle-related challenges.

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