- Refined, free-revving engines
- Impressive dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Peaky power delivery
- Poor rear seat space
- Awkward handbrake position
Overview
Released in January 1997, the fifth generation Honda Prelude was a two-door, front-wheel drive coupe. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the Prelude range consisted of the BB5 Prelude Si and BB6 Prelude VTi-R.
F22Z6, H22A4 and H22Z1 engines
The BB5 Prelude Si was powered by Honda’s F22Z6 four-cylinder engine which had an open-deck block, full floating pistons, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.2:1.
The BB6 Prelude VTi-R was initially powered by the H22A4 four-cylinder engine which had an aluminium block and head, Fibre Reinforced Metal (FRM) cylinder liners (for reduced weight and better heat dispersal), a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations. From November 1998, the VTi-R and VTi-R ATTS were powered by Honda’s H22Z1 engine; although peak power increased by 4 kW to 147 kW at 7000 rpm, the engine itself was largely unchanged.
The BB5 and BB6 Prelude were available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, the latter featuring Grade Logic Control and ‘Sport Shift’ sequential shifting.
Dimensions and body
Compared to the BA8/BB1/BB2 Prelude , the BB5/BB6 Prelude was 105 mm longer (at 4545 mm), 15 mm narrower (1750 mm), 25 mm taller (1315 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2585 mm). The BB5/BB6 Prelude body was also stiffer, achieving a 55 per cent increase in bending rigidity and a 24 per cent increase in torsional rigidity.
Suspension
The BB5 and BB6 Prelude had double wishbone suspension front and rear.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Si | 2.2-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
118 kW at 6000 rpm | 201 Nm at 5200 rpm |
| VTi-R | 2.2-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
143 kW at 7000 rpm (147 kW post-Nov. 1998) |
212 Nm at 5250 rpm |
| VTi-R ATTS | 2.2-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BB5 and BB6 Prelude included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features: Prelude Si, VTi-R and VTi-R ATTS
Standard features for the Prelude Si included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, air conditioning, cruise control, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Prelude VTi-R added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning and a sunroof.
The VTi-R ATTS was distinguished by its unique 16-inch wheels, rear spoiler and Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) which provided more neutral cornering by directing the engine’s torque to the outside front wheel when cornering.
November 1998: Prelude update
In November 1998, the BB5 and BB6 Prelude underwent a minor update for the 1999 model year: standard features were extended to include keyless entry, while the VTi-R ATTS was fitted with a mesh grille and new rear-deck spoiler. For the Prelude VTi-R, leather seats were also introduced as an extra-cost option.
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