Honda's F20C/F22C1 Named Best Four-Cylinder of Last 30 Years

Best of the Best

It's no secret that one of the very best qualities of Honda's S2000 is the engine that powers it. Whether you're talking about the F20C-powered AP1 or the F22C1 in the AP2. Of course, most everyone has a preference between the two, but both deserve all the praise they receive. Automotive site Autonocion recently added to that prominent list by naming the F20C and F22C1 among the best four-cylinder engines produced in the last 30 years by popular vote. 

Photos: Honda  

Heavy Competition

What makes this particular award notable, however, is the fact that the current market is flooded with more four-cylinder engines than ever before. Automakers are working hard to reduce displacement as they are forced to navigate increasing emissions and fuel economy standards around the world. Thus, there's more competition in this regard than ever before.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on the greatness that is the F20 and F22 right here in S2Ki.com.

Impressive Power

As a result, we're seeing some impressively powerful engines that are also extremely efficient. But even by today's lofty standards, the F20C and F22C1 are still impressive in those regards. Producing 240 horsepower from just 2.0-liters is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you consider the fact that the S2000's horsepower-per-liter/cubic-inch was the highest of any mass production, naturally-aspirated car.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on the greatness that is the F20 and F22 right here in S2Ki.com.

Special Engines

But the S2000's powerplants were impressive for more than just their output. As Autonocion notes, "they are two of the few four-cylinder engines manufactured by Honda that are designed to be placed in longitudinal position and rear-wheel drive. This adds to a red line that starts at 9,000 rpm and the fact that they are almost bulletproof makes them very special engines."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on the greatness that is the F20 and F22 right here in S2Ki.com.

Impressive Specs

Autonocion also points to the engines' technical specifications as reasons for this enduring popularity. "In any case, both engines have two camshafts with roller followers, a distribution chain that manages the control of valve opening and crankshaft rotation, VTEC system, fiber composite reinforced cylinder liners (FRM), and a high flow catalyst that greatly decreases cold emissions."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on the greatness that is the F20 and F22 right here in S2Ki.com.

Hard to Top

Not that we needed to be reminded of how great these two powerplants truly are, but it's always nice to see them recognized. And while the four-cylinder engines of today are getting better and better, in our minds at least, it'll be hard to top the F20C or F22C1 at the top of our personal best four-cylinder list anytime soon.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on the greatness that is the F20 and F22 right here in S2Ki.com.