ok...this is a dumb question...but please please let me know.....in my area a 1991 prelude si is around 2500......but...the 1991 accord ex....is around 4000 i dont understand this....which one could i mod the cheapest and come away with a nice get up and go car...lets say i have 2500 to spend on the car once i get it...which car would use the 2500 more than the other.....

 

I am having a major brain fart here. Was '91 the 4th gen Prelude or still the 3G?

 

that's a 3g, y0!

 

How come people never put the mileage of the used cars they are looking at? After all, that's the other major factor in determining price besides the year.

 

It really depends. Is the Prelude auto or stick, and is the Accord auto or stick? Also, mileage will come into play as well. As far as true potential for performance, the Accord, believe it or not, is a much more popular chasis. You can drop in a H22 and be really fast. I don't know what engine swaps are available for the 3rd gen lude. The stock engine is like a B20 something. It's a 2.0 liter twin cam and makes around 140-160 horses.

 

I would take the accord over a 3rd gen prelude, even if mileage favored the prelude.

 

the 91 prelude si has two models - the 2.0 and the 2.1 (or 2.0.5). the 2.0 puts out 135 horse and the 2.1 puts out 140. the 91 accord ex i believe puts out only 125 horse. the 2.0 liter will have the 2.0 Si emlem on the back and the 2.1 just has the Si.

the prelude can easily beat the accord in performance and speed with bolt on mods. if you are looking to do the engine swap and put the h22 into the accord (the prelude dohc vtec), then go right ahead. then it will definately beat the prelude.

the prelude will be harder to find performance parts for (at least relatively cheap prices anyway) where the accord will be easy to find lots of performance parts for.

the main difference between cost of cars is the insurance that goes with it. the prelude will cost you more to insure. that is why a lot of people buy an accord and do the engine swap.

 

the prelude has 120,000 miles and the accord has 145,000...both are 5 speeds...
the prelude says Si on the back it doesnt have 2.0 anywhere on it i dont think...give me more details

 

the only way you can be sure if the prelude is the 2.1 or 2.0 is to check the engine code on the block. there are no other distinguishing features to the preludes other than inside the engines. they both have the same "luxury" features. if the block has a b21a1 on it, it is the 2.1. the 2.0 is something like a b20a5. if you are really looking for a nice ride, my opinion is to get the prelude. i have owned and driven both a 90 accord and prelude, and the prelude is a much nicer, sportier car. the accord is a great car, don't get me wrong. but if you are looking for power without the engine swap, go for the prelude. also, check to see if the prelude has 4 wheel steering. a lot of people say they don't like or notice it, but it is a neat feature that some of the preludes have.

anyway, have fun with whichever car you pic.

 

The 1991-1993 Accord Ex has an F22A6 motor. It is 2156 cc's and has a compression ratio of 8.8:1. This motor produces 140hp@5600rpm, and it makes 142 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm.

The 1991 Prelude 2.0Si (B20A5) makes 135hp@5800rpm and makes 111lb-ft@4000
The 1991 Prelude Si (B21A1) makes 140hp@5800rpm and makes 135lb-ft@5000.

Hope these numbers help clarify. These figures were obtained from The Ultimate Honda Engine Swap Guide, produced by Sport Compact Car.

I would get the '91 Accord. It is a much more popular chasis. It is also stronger at high speeds than the 3rd gen 'Lude.