Model specs

1983-1991 HONDA Prelude II/III

Overview

The second- and third-generation Preludes were far more convincing cars than the original, mainly due to being priced more realistically and receiving engines with more power. When it appeared in 1983, the sweet 1.8-litre Prelude was offered with Honda’s excellent in-house anti-lock brakes and responsive optional automatic ‘box. The later cars also boasted four-wheel steering, an ‘80s fad that didn’t take off, despite having real advantages. In a decade that Europeans were starved of new coupés, the Prelude was a welcome and idiosyncratic addition to the market.

Production: 623,620/637,132

Price at launch: £8040/11,09

Price (excellent): £2300

Price (good): £1200

Price (average): £750

Price (project): £350

Performance

0-60mph:8.6secs

0-100mph:28.2secs

Top speed:119mph

Power:137bhp

Torque:125lb/ft

Engine

Configuration:in-line four

Aspiration:normal

Fuel:petrol

Fuel delivery:electronic fuel injection

Chassis

Suspension Front: Independent, wishbone, coil spring

Suspension Rear: Independent, MacPherson strut, coil spring

Drivetrain: front-engine FWD

Steering: rack and pinion

Bodyframe: metal monocoque

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Dimensions

Length: 4318mm

Wheelbase: 2451mm

Width: 1689mm

Height: 1295mm

Weight: 1046kgs