To find loads of helpful information about the sol, then go to
www.teamdelsol.com Choose FAQ and you find years, models, options, etc.
93 and 94 sols have leaking issues with the rubber gaskets. The gaskets was revised in 95.
93 was the only year for single air bag in the steering wheel. No passenger bag. That was introduced in 1994.
S model seats don't have a colored strip. I believe it's just black or grey. Si and VTEC models 93-95 have colored stripes. Seat design changed in 1996.
1995 IMO is probably the most sought out model and year, because it was the first year for trunk release, low fuel light, and power door locks.
Only for Si and VTEC models. 93-94 did not have those options. It was also the last year for the aux lights in the front bumper. The bumper changed design in 1996-1997 with out the aux lights. It has been rumored that the aux lights blow out a lot, but I have owned my 95 sol new and have only replaced one bulb since I bought it.
The 94-95 VTEC models have a b16a3 with 160hp and 111lbs of torque. The computer is an OBD 1. Less emissions restrictive. Redlines at 8250
The 96-97 VTEC models have a b16a2 with 160hp and 111 lbs of torque.
The computer is an OBD2 More restrictive Redlines at 8000. The b16a2 is in the 99/00 civic si, so the b16a3 is a bit more rare.
S models have rear drum brakes. Si and VTEC models have both front and rear disc brakes. VTEC models have a mounting connection on the lower control arms to attach a strut/sway bar. S and Si models don't.
You would win in getting an S model for lower insurance, but you will loose out on options that are offer on the Si and VTEC models. You might end up spending more money adding certain features to an S model that you could already have if you bought and Si or VTEC. It all depends on what you intentions are for the car and if the features are important to you.
Power steering is standard on S Automatic sols, but is an option on S manual sols. Standard for Si and VTEC models.
97 is a rare year because there was only a little over 5000 made that year total. Only 750 VTEC's were made that year, leaving roughly 2500 S models and 2500 Si's for that year.
93 S model non VTEC 102hp d15 engine
93 Si model SOHC VTEC 125hp d16 engine
94 S model non VTEC 102hp d15 engine
94 Si model SOHC VTEC 125hp d16 engine
94 VTEC model DOHC VTEC 160hp b16 engine
95 S model non VTEC 102hp d15 engine
95 Si model SOHC VTEC 125hp d16 engine
95 VTEC model DOHC VTEC 160hp b16 engine
96 S model non VTEC 106hp d16 engine
96 Si model SOHC VTEC 127hp d16 engine
96 VTEC model DOHC VTEC 160hp b16 engine
97 S model non VTEC 106hp d16 engine
97 Si model SOHC VTEC 127hp d16 engine
97 VTEC model DOHC VTEC 160hp b16 engine