Approximately 160 horsepower.
The 1992 Prelude Si offered a rev-happy 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produced about 160 hp, with variations by market and emissions tuning. This article breaks down the official figures, market differences, and what that horsepower meant for the car’s performance in the early 1990s.
Engine and performance specifications
Here are the key specifications for the US-market Prelude Si from the 1992 model year.
- Engine: 2.2-liter inline-4 (F22A1 in many US-specs; other markets used related F22 variants)
- horsepower: 160 hp at roughly 6,000–6,200 rpm
- Torque: about 139 lb-ft (188 Nm) at around 4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual standard; a 4-speed automatic available in some markets
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
These numbers reflect the typical US-spec rating, with minor variations in other regions due to emissions requirements and tuning for local markets.
Market variations and historical context
Across different regions, horsepower and tuning for the Prelude Si hovered near the same figure but varied slightly due to regulatory and model-year changes. The following snapshot captures the gist across major markets.
- United States and Canada: roughly 160 hp from the 2.2-liter four; torque around 139 lb-ft
- Japan (JDM) and other markets: similar power, with small adjustments for emissions; occasional minor torque differences
- Transmission availability: manual transmission was the default for Si models in most markets, with automatics offered in certain regions
In context, the 1992 Prelude Si’s 160 hp positioned it as a sportier, early-1990s front‑wheel‑drive option, offering stronger top-end performance and a livelier driving feel than many contemporaries in its class.
Performance implications and driving impression
With around 160 hp, the Prelude Si offered lively acceleration for its era, a refined chassis, and competent handling for a front-wheel-drive coupe. The rev-friendly nature of the engine made the car feel more spirited at higher RPMs, while the lightweight, balanced design contributed to engage-and-enjoy driving dynamics rather than outright straight-line speed alone.
For buyers and enthusiasts, the 1992 Prelude Si represented Honda’s focus on sporty feel and reliability, delivering what drivers expected from a compact sports coupe of its time.
Summary
In short, the 1992 Honda Prelude Si delivered about 160 horsepower, with market-related variations that rarely strayed far from that figure. The car combined a capable 2.2-liter four-cylinder with a chassis tuned for responsive handling, giving it a characteristic early-1990s Honda sporting persona. While emissions tuning and market differences influenced exact numbers, 160 hp is the commonly cited benchmark for the US-spec Prelude Si of that year.
Does the Prelude si have VTEC?
The Japanese Si came with the F22B (2.2 L DOHC non-VTEC, 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp)). The VTEC model had an upgraded brake system, going from a 10.3-inch (262 mm) front rotor to an 11.1-inch (282 mm) front rotor and utilizing larger brake caliper and pads, similar to those found in the Honda Vigor.
Was the 1992 Prelude a fast car for its time?
Connected to the F22B 16-valve twin-cam making 160-horsepower and 156 lb-ft, even the slushbox managed to clock a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds. Other components were just as good. Motorweek called the brakes Honda's best ever ABS.
Is the Prelude faster than the type R?
2025 Honda Civic Type R
It hits 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest front-wheel-drive cars available. Winner: The Prelude excels in fuel efficiency and daily drivability for NYC commuters, while The Type R dominates in raw power and track performance.
What engine is in the 92 Prelude SI?
This Prelude is powered by an H22 DOHC VTEC engine which was only offered in Japan. The engine starts right away, idles smoothly, and accelerates well with VTEC engaging as it should. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts correctly and the clutch does not slip.