I was lookin at the 05 civic sedan spec brochure and was surprised to see the following

EPA Mileage Estimates
5spd man 32/38(DX/VP/LX) 32/37(EX)
4spd auto 29/38(DX/VP/LX) 31/38(EX)

1. now my question is how can the auto EX have more mpg (31 city vs. the 29) than thatof the DX/VP/LX. the EX is suposed to have a stronger engine and have less mileage if you see the manual EX version (37) compared to the manual DX/VP/LX (38).

2. if you look at the displacement of the LX vs EX. they have the same figures (1668), but their HP (115 vs 127hp) is different and compression ratio (9.5:1 vs 9.9:1). is this due to VTEC that's why the EX could pump up 127hps? they have the same displacement, does that mean theoretically they consume same amount of gas?

 

Different gear ratios, flywheels, or converters possibly. Better power off idle means the engine doesn't have to work as hard to accelerate. Better exhaust/intake for city RPM ranges.(?)



VTEC, different intake/exhaust, compression, timing, and maybe a few odd parts.



Nope. MANY factors are involved in gas consumption. Run it boosted or add weight/drag and the car will get worse mileage. My 2.5L Wrangler gets similar Hwy mileage to my mom's V8 Expedition.

The pre-'06 EXs are a GREAT engine package over the LXs. 1-2MPG difference is practically nothing, but over 12HP is HUGE for a car in this power:weight range. My '00 VP doesn't have VTEC, but it has plenty of pep for me. A VTEC EX with 12 more horsies would seem like a screamer by comparison. That's over a 10% increase in power.

 

i should've gotten an ex. i did not know that the LX and ex had different engine. i thought vp is the one different vs the LX and EX. but thanks anyways

 

LX and EX have the same block. The EX just has VTEC. Some other misc. parts are different too, but it's basically the same engine.

VP is like an LX with a Value Package. It doesn't have the VTEC of the EX, but it has AC, PL, and a few other upgrades. The EX is still a nicer package. VPs don't usually have a trim-level badge (LX, DX, EX, Si, HX, CX, etc.) either.

 

i see... even if they have the same block, the EX has more power, i suppose it's worth spending a little more to get that 127 hp.

 

In all honesty, the differences are so small that they are not statistically significant. An absolute fact is that gas mileage is controlled with your right foot...and that will never change. Whether or not you do not achieve, achieve, or surpass the EPA mileage ratings depends on how you drive....plus how well you maintain your car.

 

i'm not particular with the gas mileage... but is the 115 vs 127hp difference noticeable? what i wanted to know is if it's worth selling my LX to get an EX.

 

Youd loose money on the sale...but the sunroof and vtec is nice to have...torque is about the same, and hp peaks kind of high, so you wouldnt feel the extra ex power all the time...nice to have if youre buying new, but Id just keep your lx...I dont think there would be much difference at all...(vtec kicks in at about 4500rpm)

lx horse 115@6100rpm torque 110@4500rpm
ex horse 127@6300rpm torque 114@4800rpm

If you want to upgrade get a prelude or an accord coupe those have larger engines and you would feel a real difference...

 

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