2001 Prelude SE vs 2002 RSX Type-S

[plucky duck]

Both were similary priced back in 2003 when I bought the Prelude, in the $23000 range. I was dead set on the Prelude and didn't bother test driving the RSX. Didn't like the bubbly styling of the RSX.

Now I wish the Prelude had that 6th gear and think maybe I should've at least gave the RSX another look back then. But then again I didn't know much about cars back then (and still don't now) and didn't know the benefits of that extra gearing.

In what ways are these two vehicles similar and different? In terms of speed and handling? Is the Type-S that much faster and better (not just different) of a car that you think would be worthy to trade up to?

Isn't the RSX a replacement for the Integra, which in turn, replaced the Prelude?

[ar_ken]

The Prelude and the Integra was sold side by side (well not really, one's Honda and one's Acura) for quite a few years. The Integra was never intended to "replace" the Prelude. The Integra had a replacement, the Prelude doesn't (some people will argue that the new Civic Si does)

[mau108]

The prelude wasn't replaced and never will But I believe the Accord coupe (what a crappy decision on hondas part).

RSX is a nice car, but its smaller then the prelude (the preludes quite small interior wise). But I heard its a great handling car.

I say give it a run and see if you like the RSX. I sat in one and it felt cheaper then honda (not the type s, it was the base)

[D.NGUYEN]

Prelude =D...Mau and I can vouch for it. So therefore keep it. The RSX is a fun car, however I don't like it for the same reason as you...the bubly look. The 6th gear will get you a higher top speed and will reduce gas consumption a bit (especially on the highway). The RSX is probably a little quicker because of the weight but personally I still like the prelude and it's styling. I believe the trunk also has more space.

[B0000rt]

RSX doesn't come with ATTS

[mau108]

RSX doesn't come with ATTS

I dont think the RSX needs it, its much lighter then the 5th gen lude. I re-read my above post and it made no sense (too lazy to edit it but read this one lol)

I test drove an RSX, its a nice car, but

a. it felt much smaller inside
b. felt much cheaper inside

But I did only test drive the Base not Type S. (if you get the Type S, that midnight blue color is HAWT!)

The RSX comes with a k20, which has proven to be a bullet proof engine (not literally you girls!) and it only uses Regular fuel (prelude needs premium).

And that **** I said about accord and prelude, I ment to say the Accord took over the customers the prelude would have had backed with more interior space and more boot, but IMHO the Accord coupe has been and continues to be one ugly car. Honda got the Preludes styling just right but I guess the demand wasn't there or honda wanted change (introduced the s2000).

[ES_Revenge]

RSX doesn't come with ATTS

I thought only the Prelude Type-SH came with ATTS? (The OP says they have the SE.)

Plus ATTS isn't that great anyhow. It just adds weight and complexity with minimal handling benefits.

[diabolical7]

RSX is overpriced, and overrated
good grief and good ridence that its gone!

[PrinceMS]

If you have Prelude, no point of getting RSX - you will never be truly satisfied (even with the 6th gear) ... which is in a v.v.bad position! I can see why ppl have mistaken it for reverse gear (especially when driving enthusiastically)...

You might want to look at new Civic Si (or wait for it to come down in price a bit). There isn't much out there right now in that market. Golf GTi is the only thing i can think of.

[importpsycho]

If you have Prelude, no point of getting RSX - you will never be truly satisfied (even with the 6th gear) ... which is in a v.v.bad position! I can see why ppl have mistaken it for reverse gear (especially when driving enthusiastically)...

there is no way you can go into reverse by mistake
first, it wont let you, second, reverse is far right, you would have to push right very hard to get into reverse.
5th to 6th is just stright down from 5th, how can you mistakenly get into reverse?

but I've seen someone go into 5th to 4th at redline and blown their engine
gears are very close to each other and can down shift to wrong gear if not careful

anyway I've owned RSX-S before
back in 03, I was going to buy prelude
coming from 140hp(?) integra LS I thought prelude, 200+hp more torque, would be much faster but I hardly could feel the difference
I was some what disappointed and went test drive RSX-S, I was shocked how much more power it had compare to prelude.
I ended up with 2002 RSX-S

RSX-S > prelude, no contest

prelude is only about 100lb more but it feels much heavier

First I didnt' like the fatty look of RSX, compare to slim and low body styling of prelude, but after a while I grew on me and it looks good
still I have to agree with some of you

prelude > RSX in looks

interior quality... I think they are pretty much the same
but prelude still has that old 80~90's feel
RSX gauge looks much better
only complain I have is the plastic they used for the dash and panels...

If you are looking for a new car
go test drive one
all these talk is usless, just go drive one and you'll know what to do

[jetway1212]

If you have Prelude, no point of getting RSX - you will never be truly satisfied (even with the 6th gear) ... which is in a v.v.bad position! I can see why ppl have mistaken it for reverse gear (especially when driving enthusiastically)...

You might want to look at new Civic Si (or wait for it to come down in price a bit). There isn't much out there right now in that market. Golf GTi is the only thing i can think of.

The new Si is technicall the same as the RSX-S.

The 6 spd reverse lock will never let you go to reserve while driving. So dont bother post if you dont know jack about it.

The RSX-S will rape the prelude both in straight line and corners.
2600lbs 210hp vs 3000lbs 200hp
Not to mention the gearing in RSX-S is much better. Suspension is stiffer, etc.

Prelude is essentially an accord coupe. The interior is plain and non-sporty. Its just like my accord's interior.

Pick one

[Ryus]

The RSX comes with a k20, which has proven to be a bullet proof engine (not literally you girls!) and it only uses Regular fuel (prelude needs premium).

Since the OP was talking about the RSX Type S, it too uses Premium gas.

The non-typeS RSX uses regular.

[Narci]

The RSX-S does not use drive by wire. The Civic SI does. The difference? There might be slight hesitation when shifting between gears and gassing it.

Anyways, from what I've heard from friends is that the prelude is fairly thirsty on gas.

[PrinceMS]

there is no way you can go into reverse by mistake
first, it wont let you, second, reverse is far right, you would have to push right very hard to get into reverse.
5th to 6th is just stright down from 5th, how can you mistakenly get into reverse?

but I've seen someone go into 5th to 4th at redline and blown their engine
gears are very close to each other and can down shift to wrong gear if not careful

anyway I've owned RSX-S before
back in 03, I was going to buy prelude
coming from 140hp(?) integra LS I thought prelude, 200+hp more torque, would be much faster but I hardly could feel the difference
I was some what disappointed and went test drive RSX-S, I was shocked how much more power it had compare to prelude.
I ended up with 2002 RSX-S

RSX-S > prelude, no contest

prelude is only about 100lb more but it feels much heavier

First I didnt' like the fatty look of RSX, compare to slim and low body styling of prelude, but after a while I grew on me and it looks good
still I have to agree with some of you

prelude > RSX in looks

interior quality... I think they are pretty much the same
but prelude still has that old 80~90's feel
RSX gauge looks much better
only complain I have is the plastic they used for the dash and panels...

If you are looking for a new car
go test drive one
all these talk is usless, just go drive one and you'll know what to do

I owned the 5th gen Prelude for 1.5-2 years. I was looking to buy RSX-s after Prelude and i test drove one. The cockpit was extremely noisy compared to Prelude. My main reason to not to buy RSX.

As for 6th gear, i didn't try putting it in reverse during test drive when I was in 5th gear. But I have seen pictures where someone did and flywheel actually broke out of transmission and I think one of the piston craked the engine or somefin as well. Google it, its was a unique scenerio
Might as well look up where RSX engine had a snake in it and the guy started the car unknowingly...

Yes it does take en extra nudge to put it in reverse gear, and it is not suppose to let you reverse it when the car is moving forward - but i think it would have been best if they would have designed it like certain european reverse gears.

[PrinceMS]

Abother talking out of their asses,

Prelude is essentially an accord coupe.

reported. Please respect others, to be respected.