prelude vs 240zx

[Ruick]

Hey, im 16 and im looking for a decent compact sports car with some horsepower, but obviously not the kind that i'll wreck my first car right off the bat. I've looked around and i seemed to narrow it down to three choices, these two and an integra. Integra fell out after reading the other car comparison thread about this, that thread also turned into an argument over 90 degree turns. Anyway, what are youre opinions on these two? In terms of general performance, reliability and after market parts. Also, what is the stock performance on each?

Currently im leaning more towards the 240sx, because after reading alot on the autmotive forums, i seem to associate honda with civic with ricer with low performance, is this not true with the prelude?

[blakscorpion21]

the prelude is way faster than a 240. the prelude has 190hp i think for the vtec version and the 240 has like 140. the 240 is also rwd so keep that in mind as well. if you are looking at a 4th gen prelude id say go with it. the 4th gens are way better looking than any other gen prelude. its the only one i would own. and the prelude is definitley way better than any civic, and as long as you dont rice it out people will not call u a ricer. why did you rule out the integra? it is a good car as well. you could also consider the celica.

[kman10587]

The 4th gen. Prelude is packing 190 hp and around 150 torque from its 2.2L VTEC engine, and the 240SX is packing 155 hp and 160 torque from its 2.4L engine. The Prelude will be faster in a straightline, and the Type SH should handle better. However, the 240SX is rear-wheel-drive, which is not only more practical for higher horsepower applications (300+), but also allows for power oversteering, which some people find a lot of fun.

Between the two, I would pick the 240SX. Though I appreciate the fact that the Prelude is faster, the 240SX is, in my opinion, better-looking, and I would have a lot of fun with rear-wheel-drive. Also, it seems that you're onto the fact that Hondas...don't exactly have a good reputation with serious performance enthusiasts here in the states. Not to say that there isn't a large community of knowledgable Honda tuners, but I don't want to be one of them.

Other four-cylinder sport coupes that you should consider: '94-'99 Toyota Celica GT, '95-'98 Nissan 200SX SE-R, '97-'01 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS.

[want a supra]

The Prelude is stupid heavy, But in stock is faster than a 240sx. But I the 240sx handels better. (there's more to driving than going in a straight line)

[porscheguy9999]

As a former Prelude owner (84'), I would usially say take the Prelude. But the 240 being RWD, you just cant argue with the possability's. But despite being very similar, they have different audiences. For dragging and street racing (light to light for example), the Prelude is the obvious choice. But the 240 is more fun in the twisty's. I'd say it boils down to what you want more from your car. A FWD car thats faster off the line and got more power, or one thats better for fun driving and doing tricks in. So its a close call, but for what I'd like to do more, I would have to say the 240. The handling is what takes the cake for me. But I can say with confidence that either will be an awesome car to own.

[Ruick]

Well i was leaning towards the 240sx, but is the prelude alot better in raw horsepower? According to what porscheguy said, i will be doing more street racing / drag type things with my car instead of drifting (i still enjoy decent drifting).

What kind of upgrades can i go for with the prelude? is the sr20det swap only for 240's?

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by porscheguy9999

For dragging and street racing (light to light for example), the Prelude is the obvious choice.

But if we talk about potential for drag or street...what's the most HP the Prelude VTEC's can pump out...w/forced induction I havent seen big #'s from Ludes...

While on the other hand you got plenty of options w/the 240SX. You got KA-T, SR20DET, RB25DET, CA18DET...just to name the common swaps. Any of them can put out 400rwhp or more easily.

[blakscorpion21]

dont foprget that this kid is 16 and doesnt need a 400hp rwd car.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by blakscorpion21

dont foprget that this kid is 16 and doesnt need a 400hp rwd car.

But he'll like the possibility when he grows up and matures...he wont like be hindered by having a Prelude.

[want a supra]

Originally Posted by Ruick

is the sr20det swap only for 240's?

And other nissan's. (200sx, 300zx, and Z's)

[alphalanos]

I think the 240 is the best choice. my friend has a 91 and it is just a blast to drive. pretty quick, dont let the HP number trick you. its still a 2.4L has alot of torque. Remember that Hondas (Most small Hondas) only reach that peak HP at high RPM. The 240 with its torque is acutally better for power than a Prelude that has to hit like 5,000+ RPM to get its power.

[jcsaleen]

The 240 for me... Just because of the Rwd advantage.

[crayzayjay]

Please read this

[shinkutat]

I love my 240, so I say 240! Make sure you get a 5spd manual for optimal fun as well. The light weight, super-nimble handling, and low-end grunt make for a very entertaining drive!

[Zachp911]

Originally Posted by want a supra

The Prelude is stupid heavy, But in stock is faster than a 240sx. But I the 240sx handels better. (there's more to driving than going in a straight line)

Stupid heavy? Riiiight...
I could understand if you said a 3000GT VR4, but not a lude.

I'm gonna be bias and say Prelude. You have the advantage of having VTEC and also more hp & tq compared to a 240sx. Its faster off the line which is more practical for drags (if thats what he wants it for.)

If he opts to get a Prelude Type-SH, it will out-handle a 240sx.

Originally Posted by Ruick

Well i was leaning towards the 240sx, but is the prelude alot better in raw horsepower? According to what porscheguy said, i will be doing more street racing / drag type things with my car instead of drifting (i still enjoy decent drifting).

What kind of upgrades can i go for with the prelude? is the sr20det swap only for 240's?

Upgrades? Theres tons of options... Turbocharger, Supercharger, N/A Engine Build, Basic Bolt-ons, Engine Swap. It's all personal preferance.