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Is the Honda Prelude fast?

The Honda Prelude is not considered a particularly fast car, especially in comparison to more powerful sports cars or high-performance vehicles. While the Prelude has some sporty characteristics, it is primarily designed as a comfortable and practical coupe rather than a high-powered, track-focused machine.


Overview of the Honda Prelude


The Honda Prelude is a compact, front-wheel-drive coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. Over its five generations, the Prelude was known for its sleek, aerodynamic design, comfortable interior, and relatively nimble handling characteristics. However, it was not typically regarded as a high-performance vehicle, as its engine power and acceleration capabilities were generally modest compared to dedicated sports cars.


Engine and Performance Specifications


The Honda Prelude was available with a range of four-cylinder engines, typically displacing between 2.0 and 2.3 liters. The most powerful versions, such as the Prelude Si and Prelude Type SH, produced around 200 horsepower, which was respectable but not exceptional for the time. The Prelude's 0-60 mph acceleration times generally ranged from the mid-to-high 7-second range to the low 8-second range, depending on the specific model and engine configuration.


While the Prelude offered a sporty driving experience, it was not designed to be a high-performance sports car. Its strengths lay more in its balanced handling, comfortable ride, and overall refinement rather than raw power and straight-line speed.


Comparison to Other Sports Cars



  • The Honda Prelude's performance was generally on par with other compact, front-wheel-drive sports coupes of its era, such as the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX.

  • In comparison to dedicated sports cars like the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX, or Acura NSX, the Prelude's acceleration and top speed were noticeably slower.

  • More modern sports cars, such as the Honda Civic Si or Subaru BRZ, also offer significantly more power and performance than the Prelude.


While the Honda Prelude was a well-regarded and popular coupe, it was not designed to be a high-performance, track-focused vehicle. Its strengths lay in its balanced handling, comfortable ride, and overall refinement, making it a practical and enjoyable daily driver rather than an outright sports car.

Are Honda Preludes good cars?


Yes, Honda Preludes are considered good cars, especially for their handling, reliability, and sporty feel when well-maintained. However, older models, particularly automatic transmissions, may have issues, and they require a dedicated owner willing to perform regular maintenance and potentially find niche parts.
 
Pros of owning a Honda Prelude:

  • Driving dynamics: They are celebrated for their exceptional handling, thanks to advanced features like double-wishbone suspension and, in some models, four-wheel steering. 
  • Reliability: With regular maintenance, Preludes are known to be very reliable and can last well over 200,000 miles. 
  • Performance: They offer spirited performance, especially with the 5-speed manual transmission and a VTEC engine. 
  • Community and aftermarket support: There is a strong enthusiast community and extensive aftermarket support for modifications, making them a great car for those who enjoy working on their vehicle. 
  • Value: They are an affordable way to get into a sporty coupe and can hold their value well. 

Cons and considerations:
  • Automatic transmission issues: Automatic transmissions in some years are known for reliability issues, making the 5-speed manual a preferred choice for many enthusiasts. 
  • Age: As older cars, they require more maintenance and finding parts can sometimes be a challenge. 
  • Maintenance commitment: They are best suited for owners willing to perform regular maintenance themselves or have a trusted mechanic. 
  • Not a modern family car: They are a two-door sports coupe, so they are not practical for families and can be uncomfortable for rear-seat passengers. 

In summary:
If you are looking for a fun, classic sports coupe with great handling and are prepared to invest time and money in maintenance, a well-maintained Honda Prelude can be an excellent and rewarding car. However, if you need a reliable daily driver with minimal fuss, or if you are not interested in car maintenance, a Prelude might not be the right choice.



What is the 0 62 time for the Honda Prelude?


A zero to 62 mph test of the car showed an astonishingly sluggish time of 9.08 seconds. That's nearly three seconds slower than we would have expected based on the Honda Civic Hybrid with the same hybrid system and more doors (thus more weight).



Is a Honda Prelude fast?


Initial real-world 0-62 mph time for the Prelude was a slow 9.2 seconds. A different driving technique reduced the time to 7.2 seconds, bypassing S+ Shift limitations. Honda has yet to reveal the official performance figures of the Prelude.



Is a Honda Prelude considered a sports car?


The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. This particular model, showcased in a light blue, is a quintessential example of the third-generation Prelude, produced between 1987 and 1991. The car features a sleek design and sporty handling, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.