What engine was in a 1997 prelude?
The 1997 Honda Prelude used a 2.2-liter inline-four from Honda’s H-series family, most commonly the H22A4 in United States-spec cars, delivering about 200 horsepower.
As the fifth-generation Prelude launched for 1997, engine choices varied by market. The core was the 2.2-liter H-series engine with VTEC on many trims, while some Japan- and Europe-spec versions used tuned variants within the H22A family to push a bit more performance in top-spec models. The result was a balance of daily usability and sporty response that defined the early Prelude lineup for that year.
Engine lineup by market
Here are the main configurations you would encounter for the 1997 Prelude across different regions.
- United States and Canada: 2.2-liter inline-4, H22A4, DOHC VTEC, around 200 horsepower.
- Japan and some other markets: H22A-based engines with regional tuning; higher-spec trims could offer higher output than the base U.S. version.
In practice, North American models commonly used the 2.2L VTEC powerplant, while other markets employed tuned variants within the same H22A family to suit regional preferences and regulations.
Technical specs at a glance
The core statistics for the 1997 Prelude’s engine center on displacement, configuration, and output, with minor variations by trim and market.
- Displacement: 2.2 liters (2,204 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Engine family: Honda H-series, with VTEC on most trims
- Output: Approximately 200 horsepower (varies by market and tuning)
- Torque: Around 150–160 lb-ft (varies by version)
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic depending on trim
These figures summarize how the engine powered the 1997 Prelude across typical configurations, with higher-spec variants offering a more responsive VTEC profile in certain markets.
Notes on variation by trim
Regional emissions and performance regulations shaped production, so some trims used slightly different ECU mappings and exhaust setups, which could produce small differences in horsepower and torque between markets.
Overall, the 1997 Prelude’s engine focused on delivering smooth power with VTEC assistance for livelier response in sportier trims while remaining practical for daily driving.
Summary
The 1997 Honda Prelude was equipped with a 2.2-liter inline-four from the H-series, most often the H22A4 in the U.S., delivering roughly 200 horsepower. Market-specific tuning within the H22A family offered modest variations, but the core engine remained the same, defining the Prelude’s blend of performance and everyday usability for that model year.
