How much HP does a 96 Honda Prelude have?
The 1996 Honda Prelude generally delivers about 160 horsepower in most trims, though exact output varies by market and engine variant, with factory ratings typically spanning roughly from 135 to 170 hp.
In this article, we break down how horsepower for the 1996 Prelude varied by market, trim, and engine option, so readers can understand what to expect from a specific car or listing. The figures below reflect factory ratings for common configurations from that year.
Engine options and horsepower by market
Power output for the 1996 Prelude depended on where it was sold and which engine code was used. The following summarizes typical factory ratings by market.
- United States market (fourth generation, 1996): most US-spec Prelude models used a 2.2-liter engine with factory horsepower commonly cited around 160 hp.
- Japan and other markets: outputs varied with the exact engine variant, generally ranging from about 150 to 170 hp depending on tuning and emissions specifications.
- European and other regions: similar ballpark to JP markets, with typical ratings usually between 150 and 170 hp based on the chosen configuration.
Conclusion: horsepower for a 1996 Prelude is not a single number; it depends on the engine code and market of sale. Prospective buyers or collectors should confirm the specific engine code on the vehicle documentation or under the hood for an exact figure.
Common engine variants you might encounter
To help readers identify what to look for, here are the typical engine families associated with the 1996 Prelude and how they relate to output.
- United States: 2.2-liter DOHC engine (commonly associated with around 160 hp in 1996 models).
- Japan/Other markets: 2.0-liter or 2.2-liter variants, with outputs commonly cited in the 150–170 hp range depending on the exact spec.
Conclusion: when evaluating a 1996 Prelude, the key detail isn’t just the year, but the specific engine code and market specification to determine the exact horsepower.
Summary
In short, the 1996 Honda Prelude typically sits around 160 hp in many US-spec versions, but exact horsepower varies by market and engine variant, generally falling somewhere in the 135–170 hp range. Always verify the engine code and market of origin to know the precise figure for a given car.
