The 1987 Honda Prelude was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine.
The 1987 Prelude belongs to Honda’s second generation (1983–1987). While the core drivetrain centered on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with double overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration, the exact engine code and tuning varied by regional market and trim. The following overview highlights how the engine appeared across markets.
Engine configuration and market variants
Market notes
The Prelude’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder was designed to balance performance with everyday practicality in the late 1980s. Across markets, the same basic displacement was used but with different emissions equipment and tuning to meet local requirements.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 with double overhead camshafts (DOHC) used in most U.S.-spec 1987 Prelude models.
- Similar 2.0-liter inline-4 engines used in other international markets, often with different tuning for local emissions standards.
- Transmission options typically included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, depending on trim and market.
These engine configurations illustrate that while the core engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the exact designation and tuning can vary by region and specification.
Historical context and impact
The 1987 Prelude bridged Honda’s early sports coupe lineage with a focus on front-wheel-drive agility, and the 2.0L engine was chosen to provide a balance of lively acceleration and everyday usability. This generation laid groundwork for subsequent Preludes that would push higher-revving performance in later years.
Summary
The 1987 Honda Prelude used a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, with regional variations in tuning and engine codes. The essential takeaway is that this Prelude’s powerplant was a 2.0L four-cylinder, typically DOHC, with minor differences depending on the market.