Japan vs Japan — 1978 vs 1981
| Prelude Mk1 | Prelude XX | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 80 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft | 99 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,751 cc | 1,751 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 sec | 11.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 103 mph | 103 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.2 sec | 18.3 sec |
| Weight | 2,127 lbs | 1,995 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,320 mm | 2,320 mm |
| Length | 4,090 mm | 4,090 mm |
| Units Produced | 336,892 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $7,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 4/10 |
Numbers favor the 1981 Honda Prelude XX with quicker acceleration, lighter weight. The 1978 Honda Prelude Mk1 offers its unique character, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Honda Prelude Mk1. The 1978 and 1981 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1978 Honda Prelude Mk1 producing 80 hp and the 1981 Honda Prelude XX delivering 80 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda Prelude Mk1 uses a Inline-4, SOHC displacing 1,751 cc, while the Honda Prelude relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,751 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1981 Honda Prelude XX edges ahead at 11.5 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.