are they no longer using the honda engine for north america?

 

I believe they're using a duratec motor in north america now by default, but I could be wrong. I think the honda motor is still optional though.

 

From what i understand, the atom uses a jdm k20r motor in all parts of the world other than America. The reason why the Atom uses the ecotec motor in north america is because the k20r dosent comply to emmissions and stuff like that.

i could be totally wrong but that's how i thought it was..

 

That sucks.

 

Yeah, it sucks. But some people were able to pull less then 3 seconds for a 0-60 time on a 245hp Ecotec engines Atom. That's a lot better then with the 245hp Honda engined Atom.

 

but would you rather have an american engine or a honda engine?

 

I'd rather have the engine that works better for the given application. IF people are actually getting faster acceleration numbers out of the Ecotec then it doesn't sound so bad after all. I'm guessing they're using the supercharged Ecotec and comparing it to the n/a Honda engine? What's the weight difference between the s/c Ecotec v. the n/a K20r? Would acceleration be had at sacrificing a bit of handling?

 

Ecotec is actually a great engine platform and multinational in nature (designed by Opel, GM, Saab, and Lotus).

 

R-e-l-i-a-b-i-l-i-t-y

 

I'm pretty sure the ecotec is reliable.