Cant Decide: 99-01 Prelude SH or WRX?

[Neejay]

Ive been debating on which one to get. I know the WRX is faster, in terms of hp, but wouldnt drivetrain loss be more than the lude (fwd)? Then there's also torque. But when I start including maintenance, reliability, and ease of modding, would the prelude have an advantage? Also the insurance, and probably car payments on the WRX.

Have any of you ever driven both?

[HashiriyaS14]

Ok, I think that I can safely respond to this...

I have owned both a 5th gen Prelude and a 2004 WRX, the latter right after the former.

Firstly, I do *not* recommend an SH, go for the base model. It is nearly impossible to modify the SH's suspension in any significant way (i.e. shocks/struts, or coilovers). The SH has no real advantages over the base whatsoever, get a base.

Secondly, what do you want to do with the car? The Prelude is a *good* looking car IMO, one of my favorite 1990's automobiles. It is an excellent platform to build up as a show car for this reason.

It is NOT, however, in anywhere near the same performance category as a WRX. The WRX will plainly blow the brakes off it on a road course, and the Prelude is NOT an easy car to add horsepower to. You can get another 60-100hp quite easily on the WRX with only a reflash, turboback exhaust, and a couple of other mods.

The H22A has fibrous cylinder walls that make running any sort of boost without a serious engine build a very tricky proposition. Not to mention that it really wasn't ever designed to be a serious performance car, it's more of a GT.

5th gen Preludes are significantly cheaper than WRXs though.

The WRX transmission is not particularly enjoyable to shift though, mine was downright unbearable. it doesn't ruin the car, but it did somewhat hamper my ability to drive it really effectively. It is, however, a major bottleneck in terms of modifications. After about 300awhp, the transmission needs to be beefed up significantly.

All things considered, I'd say that if you plan to modify the car a lot, go with the WRX. It'll be expensive though. If you want something to just do minor bolt-ons too, not track, etc..., and something cheaper, go for the Prelude.

I know I rambled a bit, if you have any more questions, post them and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

[st33f]

there are too many rex's everywhere... get the honda... even tho everyones all against em. It'll run forever man.

[Neejay]

HashiriyaS14, I only daily drive. Im more of a performance guy over looks (if I did get the prelude, it would only be a lip kit, nothing too fancy. I dont drag, autox, or anything like that though. As far as the modding goes, it would totally depend on the car. With the WRX, Id do what you said (hell, I even have my mods already picked out, as I was obsessed with them for a bit), COBB reflash, turboback exhaust, uppipe, and a few other things, but I wouldnt be trying to make a monster or anything.

So basically, you're saying: Daily driving, no track, no autox = Prelude? Mid-Heavy modding, track = WRX?

[Neejay]

there are too many rex's everywhere... get the honda... even tho everyones all against em. It'll run forever man.

Not in my part of town man, I see this one stock wrx like once every 1.5 month or so. And theres a 04+ model at a house that I never see on the road. Other than that, I never see one.

[HashiriyaS14]

If you don't mind the extra money, I say go for the WRX.

As much as I liked my Prelude, i'd rather have a DC2 Integra (GSR or ITR).

[Neejay]

If you don't mind the extra money, I say go for the WRX.

As much as I liked my Prelude, i'd rather have a DC2 Integra (GSR or ITR).

wow, thats saying a lot. Im glad I got someone's opinion who's owned them both. I guess my heart is saying WRX, but my pocket/reality (right now) is saying prelude. I guess I can wait a bit for the wrx

[Repo Man]

Go big or stay home dude. You only live once. WRX will smoke a Prelude, especially on any type of compromised road surface. Anyone that has ever driven one on snow and ice knows what I mean.

[Chicagos13]

My Bro currently owns a 98 SH with a decent amount of bolt-ons. It's a fun car; well mannered on the twisties, stops well, decent N/A power. Plus it's not too rough of a ride w/ his KYB/Neuspeed suspension setup. I like driving it when I go on dates or want to kind of relax in a way. Well balanced performance and I think it looks fantastic. On the other hand, you could have a beast with a WRX. Great car right out of the box. I have driven my friends wagon and I love it too. It's a tough decision. If you are looking for a well balanced sport coupe, get the Prelude (non-SH, the ATTS system can only handle about 200hp before things go wrong, that is if you should ever want more power). If it's a fast sedan that sounds AMAZING and performs just as well, go w/ the WRX. Good luck either way.

[Chicagos13]

Some inspiration compliments of my brother...

[GhostDriver]

Very true....a WOT H22A will make some choice sounds. I'd take the 'rex hands down though.

[Juujai]

i dont think any of the newer imprezas look sporty at all. they are sedans with some aero... preludes look okay but limited with the ff drivetrain layout pretty expensive used car too.

if i'm just going to roll around the block with this sucker i'd probably get a newer gs300 or q45 and vip it up.

if i want a cheaper affordable sporty car then i'd think about dc2, ek9, 240, rx7, mr2, and maybe even trueno.

awd is kind of a turn off too =/ good traction but turns gay, high gas consumption, and heavier drivetrain.

dont take any of my opinion seriously its just what i think whatever choice you make is alright with me =).

[spanishricer]

Get the Prelude, dump about $3k into the suspension/wheels/tires and enjoy the ride.

And on a side note: Driving a base 'lude and an SH model is almost night and day difference. I had to drive mine with the ATTS de-activated for almost a month and the handling characteristics just werent' quite the same.

And you can modify a Type SH's suspension just like any other base 'ludes, mine is living proof

[apocalypse]

I used to have a prelude and I miss it at times, it was a fun car to drive looked better than a WRX and was well balanced. If you want something just plain out fast go with the WRX, but if you want something more refined then go with the prelude. Sign up at http://www.preludeonline.com to learn more about the car

[w1ngzer0]

WRX

[240+civic=pimp]

I LOVE MY WRX Screw the lude

[Repo Man]

WRX

wing, why the hell is the underage chick in your sig so damned mezmerizing???

[KADreams]

I was thinking the same thing. His sig is intrancing.

[klondyke]

if your gonna spend the money make it worth the while buy an EVO

[artemous]

Well you'll have alot better chance of the WRX still be in running shape in 3 years that the honda. Why are Honda mods so popular? Because Hondas are crap without them. As a former mechanic I've seen to many Hondas just fall apart at 80K miles. Kinda like my 2001 sentra did at 45K. Lets not even start with Itsafishi.

[w1ngzer0]

wing, why the hell is the underage chick in your sig so damned mezmerizing???

lol i had to remove it. It was to temping of a chick. She is to hot..

[GhostDriver]

Well you'll have alot better chance of the WRX still be in running shape in 3 years that the honda. Why are Honda mods so popular? Because Hondas are crap without them. As a former mechanic I've seen to many Hondas just fall apart at 80K miles. Kinda like my 2001 sentra did at 45K. Lets not even start with Itsafishi.

Wow...I don't know what to say.

[HashiriyaS14]

And you can modify a Type SH's suspension just like any other base 'ludes, mine is living proof

Was it a lot of trouble? Everyone on PreludePower and SuperHonda told my friend Brian that adding Teins to his '97 SH would just be waaaaay too much trouble...

And I dunno what this is about Hondas falling apart....that'd definitely be news to me.

Oh, and price insurance for the two cars too, it was a world of difference for me. I was paying like $2800/yr for the Prelude, WRX was more like $5000/yr.