I am debating whether to get an LX or EX. I had an 01 EX and was in love with the amazing mpg and reliability. I was looking on a few sites and seen that the LX gets better mpg than the EX? I thought they were the same engine except the EX has VTECH but I didnt think that VTECH would interfere with mpg unless "VTECH KICKED IN YO" haha. Is the EPA just compensating for when and if you get into vtech or does it actually bring the mpg down in general because the engine has it?

 

Just wanna know.. Is it the same exact engine? Does A VTECH engine get worse mpg than a NON VTECH engine even if the VTECH in the vtech engine is never engaged?

 

VTEC

If you have confirmed that the LX does not have a vtec motor, and the EX does, then they are not the exact same engine. Might be the same block, but not head. ECU would be different along with the fuel trims.

Wikipedia/reseraching can go far.

D17A1

Found in:
2001–2005 Honda Civic DX/LX/VP
Displacement : 1,668 cc (101.8 cu in)
Bore and Stroke : 75 mm × 94.4 mm (3.0 in × 3.72 in)
Compression : 9.5:1
Power : 115 hp (85.8 kW, 117 ps) at 6,100 rpm
Torque : 110 lb·ft (15.2 kg/m, 149 Nm) at 4,500 rpm
RPM redline: 6,750 rpm
Rev-limiter : 7,200 rpm
Valvetrain : SOHC (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel Control : OBD-2 MPFI

D17A2

VTEC
Found in:
2001–2005 Honda Civic EX (US only) 2001–2005 Honda Civic LX (Europe)
2001–2005 Honda Civic Si (Canada only)
2001–2005 Acura 1.7 EL (Canada only)
2000–2007 Honda Stream 1.7 (Japan)
Displacement: 1,668 cc (101.8 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 75 mm × 94.4 mm (3.0 in × 3.72 in)
Rod Length: 137 mm
Rod/Stroke: 1.48
Compression: 9.9:1
Power (North America): 127 hp (95 kW; 129 PS) at 6,300 rpm
Japan: 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 6,300 rpm[13]
Torque (North America): 114 lb·ft (15.8 kg/m, 154 Nm) at 4,800 rpm[14]
Japan: 154 N·m (114 lb·ft) at 4,800 rpm[13]
RPM redline: 6,800 rpm
Rev-limiter: 7,200 rpm
Valvetrain: SOHC VTEC, four valves per cylinder
VTEC Switchover: 4,500 rpm
Fuel Control: OBD-2 MPFI

 

I think the EX has a different gear ratio which keeps the engine rpm higher for a given mph. This improves acceleration but decreases highway mpg. The difference is in the transmission, not the engine. VTEC and non-VTEC engines are basically identical in performance at normal cruising rpm.

 

Kinda what I was thinking.. Before I go out buying.. Wouldn't mind a second opinion on which civic I should buy? 96-2004 range.

 

My sincerest apologies. I searched a couple times and could find nothing about comparing the two. Thanks!