With all respect the escort only has 127hp for the GT had one of those. The prelude does have about 200+lbs on the Spec-V, and approx 20 hp, but lacks about 20lbs of torque too.
Just the numbers alone there says the Spec-V will win.
An extra 200lbs with only 20xtraHP and 20lessTq
Sounds close, but sounds like the Spec-V will win
Now to my knowledge this isn't the SH i don't know too much about it, but i know based on the SI Vtec H22 motor in it. I feel the difference. I just bought my Spec-V, and I got rid of my prelude last year about this time. I can't directly place the feel of it, but i can say. I feel as if i have a noticeable feel in the Spec-V than the prelude.
If you would like i will hit the track with my friend. He's got the 00' Prelude