The 1987 Prelude uses a 2.0-liter inline-four DOHC engine, coded A20A, delivering about 135 horsepower. It could be paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission depending on trim and market.
The 1987 Prelude sits in Honda’s second-generation lineup (1983–1987) and relies on the A-series 2.0-liter engine family. This article outlines the engine’s designation, core specifications, and how it varied across markets for that model year.
Engine code and design
What the A20A engine means
The A20A is a 2.0-liter inline-4 with dual overhead cams and 16 valves. In US-spec models of this era, it used electronic fuel injection and was tuned for a balanced blend of responsiveness and reliability. The engine’s design emphasizes high-rev performance within a lightweight, front-wheel-drive package that characterized the Prelude of the mid-1980s.
Key specifications
The essential specs of the A20A engine in the 1987 Prelude are:
- Engine type: 2.0-liter inline-4 with DOHC and 16 valves
- Engine code: A20A
- Power: about 135 horsepower in US-spec models
- Torque: roughly 120–130 lb-ft of torque, depending on market/version
- Induction: electronic fuel injection (EFI)
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic in different trims
These specifications capture the core technical profile of the engine and informed the Prelude's performance characteristics for that model year.
Market variations and notes
Across global markets, there could be minor variations in emissions equipment, tuning, and horsepower ratings. The US market typically used EFI with about 135 hp, while other regions relied on closely related A-series engines with similar performance. For collectors or restorers, verifying the engine code on the block or ECU is a reliable way to confirm the correct specification for a particular car.
Summary
In essence, the 1987 Honda Prelude is powered by Honda's 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC engine, the A20A, delivering roughly 135 hp and available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim and market. This engine defined the mid-1980s Prelude's blend of sportiness and everyday usability.