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Honda Prelude I Coupe (SN) 1.6 (80 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)
I Coupe (SN) Overview:
Honda Prelude (I Coupe (SN)). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.3 s). The top speed reaches 165 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.
1.6 (80 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.6-liter (EL engine code) offers a modest 80 Hp, providing adequate but unexciting performance for daily driving in 1979. Its 13.3-second 0-100 km/h time reflects its focus on economy and smooth operation rather than outright speed.
Fuel Economy
While specific fuel consumption data isn't provided, the carbureted 1.6L engine would have offered reasonable economy for its time, prioritizing efficiency over high power output, typical for Honda's approach in the late 70s.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and stylish 70s coupe design
- • Honda's renowned reliability for its era
- • Compact and agile handling for city driving
- • Pioneering features like standard power sunroof (for its time)
- • Relatively fuel-efficient 1.6L engine
Cons:
- • Modest performance from the 80 Hp engine
- • Lack of modern safety features (common for its age)
- • Carburetor system can require more maintenance
- • Susceptible to rust in older models
- • Limited rear passenger space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (AB): April, 1983 - September, 1987).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Prelude |
| Generation: | I Coupe (SN) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (80 Hp) |
| Start of production: | May, 1979 |
| End of production: | March, 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 80 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l [205mm less] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EL More details about the engine EL |
| Engine displacement: | 1602 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 165 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 138 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 920 |
| Max. weight: | 1360 |
| Max load: | 440 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 800 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 400 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4090 mm [205mm less] |
| Width: | 1635 mm [55mm less] |
| Height: | 1295 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2320 mm [130mm less] |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1410 mm |
| Front overhang: | 860 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 910 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 170 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
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