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Honda Prelude III (BA) 2.0 i EX 16V (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
Honda Prelude:
The Honda Prelude is a sport compact car produced by the Japanese company Honda. It was produced over five generations from 1978 to 2001, and reintroduced in 2025.
For the first five generations, as a two-door coupe loosely derived from the Accord, the Prelude was the first Honda to feature a moonroof, a feature that remained standard equipment throughout its production.
The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda retail sales chain Honda Verno, with the international release of the model following shortly after. The Prelude's manufacture concluded in 2001 on introduction of the fourth-generation Integra. The Prelude name was originally trademarked by Toyota, but was amicably given to Honda for use....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (BA) Overview:
Honda Prelude (III (BA)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1095 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 212 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 i EX 16V (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful engine in the lineup, offering exhilarating acceleration (7.9 sec 0-100km/h) and a truly engaging driving experience, a highlight for the generation's performance.
Fuel Economy
As the top-tier performance engine, fuel economy is secondary but still reasonable for its output and era, a fair trade-off for the added power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging handling and driving dynamics
- • Reliable Honda engineering and build quality
- • Stylish and distinctive design with iconic pop-up headlights
- • Advanced DOHC 16-valve engines for its time
- • Good aftermarket support for enthusiasts and parts availability
Cons:
- • Rear seat space is limited, making it less practical for more than two occupants
- • Rust can be an issue on older models, particularly in certain climates
- • Finding unmolested, well-maintained examples can be challenging today
- • Safety features are basic by modern standards, reflecting its age
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point for the higher-performance variants
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Coupe (SN): May, 1979 - March, 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Prelude |
| Generation: | III (BA) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 i EX 16V (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | May, 1987 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 76.6 Hp/l [370mm more] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 5500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B20A More details about the engine B20A |
| Engine displacement: | 1958 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 212 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.3 kg/Hp, 137 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1095 |
| Max. weight: | 1620 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 525 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 460 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 50 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4460 mm mm [370mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [60mm more] |
| Height: | 1295 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2565 mm mm [245mm more] |
| Front track: | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Honda Prelude?