I will soon be in the market for a new (used) car, and I have been considering a Prelude. My main dilemma is whether to go with a late fourth gen (95-96) VTEC or an early fifth gen (97-98) base model. I'd like any input you all have as to the plusses and minuses of each. I know the early cars are a bit lighter, but by how much I am unsure. I know the drivetrains are nearly identical, save electronic differences. What else differentiates the two, other than the obvious stying changes. Suspension? Brakes? The car will be a daily driver, and will remain N/A, either one will probably receive basic bolt-ons and suspension. Thanks for any input you guys want to share.

 

weight
4 gen vtec lude=2,932 lbs
5 gen sh lude=3,042 lbs
5 gen base model lude= 2,954 lbs

to me i like the 5th gen but if i was going to go all race or something ill take the 4th gen... also is cheaper then the 5th gen

 

The cars drive train is identical.. but the 5th gen are heavier and a lil bit slower because of the weight. It's all up to you.. I would get a 5th gen simply because it looks better the suspension is a little bit better and the Instrument panal is easier to read. But that just me, find out what you like better.. test drive both cars.. and see which one fits you best.. both cars are awsome cars.. just make sure you get the one with vtec.. lol

 

the 4th gen is a little faster than the 5th gen... the 4th gen IMO has a better looking interior, although the 5th gen interior is a little roomier... i honestly think the 4th gen looks nicer (without a wing) but if you have the money go with a 5th gen. the 5th gen would be a better daily driver... if ur a real enthusiast get a 4th gen and build taht ****, you wont regret it... basically is all comes down to whether u want speed and style (4th gen) or comfort and handling (5th gen)

 

drive train is not completely identical.

with the 4th gen (vtec model), you have a faster car in a straight line. interior is nicer with leather however the rear seats are non existent. you get a stock 6x9
subwoofer in the back, but its not too effective.

5th gen, nicer and much more classy looking exterior imo. tad heavier but better handling. if you plan on having people in the back you would choose this car.

both cars are good choices. if you were to pick the 4th gen, definitely go with the 95 if you plan on doing bolt ons. 95 is an OBDI car while the 96 and up are OBDII.


[Modified by illusion, 9:03 PM 11/27/2002]

 

id think there's alot more style in a 5th gen than 4th gen

 

what do you want??
handling-->SH (5th gen)
speed-->4th gen VTEC.
some of both---5thgen base..
looks IMO--->5th gen.

 

I went thru the same dilemna you are going thru now. After my last car was totaled I started looking for a Prelude. I had driven the 5th Gen SH and was in love with the power and handling. But I wanted a little more. So I drove my friends 4th Gen with H23 modded and decided right then and there that I must have the 4th Gen. So my friend located a 96 Prelude VTEC for me and I bought it. I've had it now for almost 2 months and I look forward to driving it everyday. The interior, IMO, is far better looking than the 5th Gen. And the exterior, when its slammed, is just .................. too hard to explain. If you want beauty and power get a 4th Gen VTEC. If you want handling get a 5th Gen. Just my opinion.

 

4th gen gears are shorter = faster acceleration
5th gen are longer = higher top speed

Personally I like the looks of the 4th gen and a 94-95 is more mod-able because of OBDI

 

If you don't want to heavily mod the car, consider getting a type SH. Has better handling than a base model despite the 88lbs of weight. atts works great through corners

 

you can't go wrong with either one. i like the 4th gen better though. it feels a bit sportier IMO. i love the dash and the whole interior as well the exterior on the 4th gen.

 

why does everyone assume the 5th gen hadles better??? it doesnt..only the SH does, and its by a slight margin..its skidpad numbers and cornerin numbers are barely higher...a 4th gen, is a very good handling car...espcially when its suspension is done right...besides there arent very many 4th gens where i live, but quite a few 5th gens...but theyre no fun to race, they dont keep up..peace

 

No ****. Considering the 4th gen and 5th gen have the EXACT SAME SUSPENSION, how does it handle better?

 

You might as well buy the one that you find the best deal on, you'll be happy.

 

I agree, my 4th gen handles pretty good IMO. Eibach Pro's, Tokiko Illumina's (5 way adj), 215/40/17's, Neuspeed front upper tie, DC lower rear tie and a generic rear upper tie.

I see your in the S. bay area..... PM me and maybe we can hook up for a test drive in my 4th gen ... See if you like the leather, dash, handling, etc..... My engine plans are not done, but "It's a little faster than stock".....................

 

I so hate stuff like this..

4th gen VTEC is faster, it will be, most are 100-200lbs lighter than 5th gens, its a fact, deal w/ it.

Suspension is exactly the same stock, they suck, way to soft and too much understeer....

5th gen will not handle better than 4th gen, its about weight...

both are great cars, 4th gen is smaller/faster, 5th gen is more comfy and can fit stuff in it, like 4 people....