I own a 2001 Prelude 5 spd for about 14 months now and am very impressed with the ride, handling, performance of this car. I think of it as the best sport coupe that I could own under $30000. This is currently my daily driver.

However, I recently test drove a S2000 and was very impressed by it's sports
car behavior ... and am constantly thinking of trading the Prelude in end of
the year and getting a S. I plan to get a 4 door beater anyway this year.

So, I am asking for opinions from people who used to own a 5th gen Prelude
before getting an S2000 or still own both at the same time. You must have
gone through the same dilemma I am?

Although the hp difference is only 40, I know these two cars fall in different
categories. I also know with some work on intake, exhaust and other bolt on,
that difference in hp can be further lowered. I also know that the S2000 handles
better stock. But, that gap can also be lowered (no pun intended) by installing an after-market suspension.

Do you miss the Prelude after getting a S2000 for any reason?

Please .. your honest opinions wanted. I have been frequenting this site a
lot lately and have learnt a lot from people here. Thanks!

%%$#& ... why did I have to test drive a S2000!!!

 

I had a first-gen prelude and an integra, so I'm not TOTALLY qualified to answer ... but after having 5 Hondas, and having had an S2000 for over a year now, there's just no comparison. It is SUCH a blast to drive, it's much sexier than any other Honda, it has the convertible factor (which you'll appreciate next summer), and just read the "Should you buy an s2000" thread!



go for it, dude!!

 

Get the S

 

I owned a '97 Prelude 5 speed (First year of the 5th gen.) from '97 - '00
I own a 2002 S2k now.
No comparison, S2k is more fun to drive, and the power difference is noticeable. Interior on S2k has a higher quality feel, and the handling is noticeably better.

 

Get the S. I swapped out of a 01 Lude SH to get my s2000. I think that the Lude drove a lot like the s2000 but it's great to have the top down instead of just the moon roof open. You won't regret it, I haven't.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 03SL-s2k
[B]Get the S. I swapped out of a 01 Lude SH to get my s2000. I think that the Lude drove a lot like the s2000 but it's great to have the top down instead of just the moon roof open.

 

Get an S.....much much better car.
Real sport car!

 

I traded up from a 98 SH. If I had kept the Prelude as a second car, I can't think of a single time I would have driven it over the S.

 

Step up to the S

 

I'm not totally qualified to answer your question, but I feel that I can offer somewhat valuable input to your situation. I used to own a 2001 Integra Type R. If you ever get the chance to drive one of these, definitely do it. The R is a real drivers car that could outperform the S2000 on a track if she were in the hands of a capable driver. IMHO, the Type R comes closer to the S2000 in terms of handling, braking, and acceleration than the Prelude does.

Now having said that, I'm not disappointed that I traded the Type R for the S2000. The S2000 is so refined, and can do everything as well (and better in most cases) than the Type R. The S2000 is a very "involving" drive when driven at the limits. You will be concentrated and focused on what you are doing, and the experience will draw you in completely. Now I'm just rambling, but I hope that you can find something helpful in what I just typed.