Why is the Mercedes AMG A45 much more power than the Honda Civic Type R?

Could you shed some light on why Honda and Mercedes both produce such different outputs from their 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engines?

The new Type R produces just under 330hp whilst the A45 produces 421hp. Is this a different state of tune, different turbo size, pressure, perhaps?

I understand the engine in the A35 is a detuned version of that found in the A45 so would Honda be able to similarly tune their engine to produce similar outputs to the A45?

Asked on 28 December 2022 by David Pottinger

Answered by Lawrence Allan

The Mercedes-AMG A45's engine is the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder in series production, and has a higher specific output than many supercars. There's some complex engineering involved, including a turbocharger with roller bearings, an electronic wastegate, special cylinder linings and a two-stage fuel injection system - hence why the Mercedes costs many thousands more to buy than the Civic Type R. A simple ECU tune would not be enough to increase the output of the Civic's engine to such a degree.

Tags: engines

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