Review: Honda BA8/BB1/BB2 Prelude (1991-96)

Honda BA8.I and BB2.I Prelude (1991-93)

Overview

Released in December 1991, the fourth-generation Honda Prelude was a two-plus-two, front-wheel drive coupe. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the Prelude range initially consisted of the BA8 and BB2 Prelude models which were powered by 2.2- and 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, respectively. Both engines were available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

F22A1 and H23A1 engines

Of the engines,

• For the BA8 Prelude (i.e. S variants), the 2.2-litre F22A1 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.8:1; and,
• For the BB2 Prelude (i.e. Si and Si SRS variants), the 2.3-litre H23A1 engine had an aluminium block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.8:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The BA8/BB1/BB2 Prelude was 4440 mm long, 1765 mm wide, 1290 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Prelude had double wishbone suspension front and rear with coil springs, gas-pressurised shock absorbers and stabiliser bars.

Four-wheel steering (4WS)

The Prelude Si and Si SRS were fitted with a four-wheel steering (4WS) system whereby the rear wheels would turn at the same time as the front wheels. At low speeds, the rear wheels would turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, however, the wheels would turn in the same direction to reduce yaw for greater stability.

Safety equipment

The Prelude S and Si variants were not fitted with safety equipment such as airbags or ABS. The Prelude Si SRS was, however, fitted with a driver’s airbag and ABS as standard.

Features: Prelude S, Si and Si SRS

Standard features for the Prelude S included 14-inch steel wheels with 195/65 R14 89H tyres, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cruise control, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjusatble steering wheel and a power sunroof.

The Prelude Si and Prelude Si SRS variants were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R15 87V tyres, a six speaker sound system and contoured front sports seats.

Honda BA8.II, BB1.II and BB2.II Prelude (1994-96)

Overview

Released in February 1994, the BA8, BB1 and BB2 Series II Prelude (the BA8.II, BB1.II and BB2.II, respectively) introduced a revised range as the Si SRS was discontinued and the VTi-R introduced. The BA8.II, BB1.II and BB2.II Prelude could be identified by its revised cabin trim; while S variants had a different centre console, Si and VTi-R variants were fitted with translucent speedometer and tachometer needles.

H22A1 engine

The Prelude VTi-R was powered by Honda’s H22A1 2.2-litre engine which had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It was solely available with a five-speed manual transmission.

Safety equipment

Compared to their Series I predecessors, standard safety equipment was extended to include a driver’s airbag. Furthermore, both the Si and VTi-R variants were fitted with ABS.

From March 1995, a front passenger airbag was also fitted as standard.

Features: Prelude S, Si and VTi-R

Standard features for the BA8.II, BB1.II and BB2.II Prelude range were largely unchanged, with the newly introduced VTi-R variants similarly equipped to the Si variants (including four-wheel steering).

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Honda Prelude (fourth generation)