Prelude V.S. Celica GT-S

[Mrcoilover]

I don't know about 240. Probably about 220. A CELICA GT cannot
beat a prelude. GTS maybe but not the GT. Sorry. Only 140hp

[Chris]

Celica GT-S. In my mind, no question. The Celica is an amazing handler, and goes pretty fast too. THe prelude sucks.

[Morpheus XIII]

GT-S.

The current Prelude is part of Honda's former generation of design. The new Civics and Acuras start up their new era, with distinct corporate designs and platforms. The Prelude will not be included for this future and will ultimately be replaced by the RS-X, since it was interfering Integra sales in the past. Do you really want a discontinued, failed car?

On the other hand, the Celica has a bright strong future with new ideals in mind, moving away from the heavy-bodied sports coupe design for a more cart-like appeal, brought to popularity by the Integra. The current Celica IS the leading edge front-runner of Toyota's next generation of automobiles, whilst the Prelude wastes away at the trailing edge of its firm.

With both cars in comparison, power readings show that the GT-S is obviously not on par with the Prelude's torque, but that is simply because of the much smaller displacement size. You shouldn't really even compare the GT-S's power to the RS-X's for that matter with the 1.8 and 2.0 liter respective displacements. Remember that the Integra GSR was a 1.8 and produced similar power ratings to the current GT-S. If the Toyota received a 0.2 liter bump, you could really call them clones. But going back to the Prelude, it's obvious that the previous generation VTEC engine doesn't produce as good a number for the hp:liter ratio as the VVTL-i 2ZZ-GE does, or even the new i-VTECs.

By the way, the i-VTEC is not WAY better than the VVTL-i. They are virtually identical. Read comparisons in aftermarket publications for more details (they've done it in just about every single rag so far). But of course, this is the PRELUDE vs. Celica GT-S, NOT the RS-X Type-S vs. Celica GT-S.

[F20C]

My 2 cents.

VTEC was able to extract 195hp out of 1.8L B18C. VVTL-i able to extract 180hp out of 1.8L 2ZZ-GE engine. Both have very similar powerband. VVTL-i was more advanced than VTEC. VVTL-i have infinite variable cam phasing etc. But the trade off was not as much top end gain as 3 stage VTEC. i-VTEC is more advanced than VVTL-i because it now has the added feature of VTC.

Personally I wouldn't call Prelude a failed car. It is a excellent product by all means. It only fail in the business end. Honda was unable to keep cost of production down because Prelude doesn't share many parts with other Honda/Acura. It uses a chassis on it's own.

[gang$tarr]

from my experience with these cars, I think the prelude handles better than the Celica IMO

[Morpheus XIII]

The B18C you mention is a factory modified limited production powerplant for a limited production vehicle. The 2ZZ-GE is not. For a comparison like that, refer to the 200 hp motor used in the Celica TRD Sports M. Each company has its own mechanics and none can be labeled as 'better than the other' since they all work to a different goal. However, the end result is singular: Power.

When I mean 'failed', I DO mean business-wise. The business end is an important factor. You can trust that the current Celica's following will grow in the future, assuring available parts and future development. Sure the Prelude has a great backing right now, but it will be left behind (especially with the RS-X coming out) down the road.

Another reason supporting the GT-S:
It's a refreshing NEW design spawned from the new age-like Calty with futuristic aims to lead this market. The Celica hasn't even been out that long and I see far more of them on the road than the total number of current Preludes combined, speaking a hint of its growing popularity. The Preludes feel a little dated, inside and out.

[F20C]

I was strictly mentioning the engines offered here. If you decide to go JDM then you might as well look at the JDM ITR engine. I see a lot of Celica as well. The exterior is hate it or love it like Prelude. But I don't see enough Celica to surpass Prelude's total number. There are just far too many Prelude in Canada. From the spy of future Celica. It looks much like a mercury cougar. Heck even the Altezza is getting a re-design soon in Japan and the result looks unpromising. Look too much like Skyline/G35 to me. The future styling of Toyota/Lexus is in question. Prelude does feel dated but what can you expect? It's been on the market since 1997 without change. Celica only came out in 2000 by the way.

[gang$tarr]

yeah there are TONS of preludes in canada.... like half as many as (new Gen) Accords... that's alot

[Chris]

I rarely see a Prelude or a Celica, but I see more Celicas than Preludes.

[Mrcoilover]

Celica's are more unique. Styling is ain't no joke. Might have to save up
for one.

[gang$tarr]

Originally posted by Chris
I rarely see a Prelude or a Celica, but I see more Celicas than Preludes.

not where i live... there are tons

[Chris]

gang$tarr, where do you live?? K-W??? Kingston??? Windsor??? KaWarthas???

[gang$tarr]

look at location under my name

Kitchener - Waterloo
a.k.a.
K-W

[Chris]

Cool, that is about 2 hours from me. I might go there for University. Small (cyber) world.

[Jay!]

Originally posted by Morpheus XIII
The Preludes feel a little dated, inside and out.

Funny you should say that, because overall I prefer cars from the early '90s over cars from the past half decade. I guess I like "dated."