"LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
news:fed77941.0406091032.13237c39@posting.google.c om...
> "TWW" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:<V1sxc.3849$1c4.1317@fed1read06>...
> > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:fed77941.0406080426.d8430c7@posting.google.co m...
> > > Dear all:
> > >
> > > In the next several years, I will eventually be looking for a
> > > car. I currently have a 1995 Prelude (which is fourth generation)
> > > with 160 HP. It is running like a champion. After I get all the
> > > useable life out of this beauty, I will be looking for a replacement.
> > >
> > > For several months, I have been toiling over this question of
> > > whether to go with the 200HP V-tech fifth generation Prelude or the
> > > 240HP v6 six speed Accord. They each have their good points. The V6
> > > Accord has 40 more HP which seems like a lot. However, I did some
> > > calculation: The Accord would be ~325 lbs heavier. Non-the-less, I
> > > think that the Accord would still be very very fast. It does 0 to 60
> > > in 7.5 seconds. Also, it has six speeds, which would be fun to shift
> > > and drive.
> > >
> > > Then, lastnight, I was driving my current fourth gen. Prelude
> > > and everything became clear to me. . . See, I took a very fast
> > > turn--a turn that no other car has any business taking. My prelude
> > > handled it with simple and impressive ease. I made the tires sqeech
> > > in this high speed left turn. It was very cool. NO BODY ROLL at
> > > all! This little reminder just cinched the deal for me! I realized
> > > that I cannot drive a car that will have body roll--horsepower or not!
> > >
> > > So, the above is a my story of how I came to decide that a few
> > > years from now, when I am in the market for a car, it will be the
> > > fifth generation Prelude. From what I read, the fifth gen. has even a
> > > stiffer chasis and even better handling! I think I will be very
> > > happy. As far as horsepower is concerned, I know I won't be getting
> > > the 240. However, I will be moving from the 160HP (my current prelude
> > > has 160HP) to 200 hp (the fifth gen preludes are all v-tech 200 HP
> > > cars). Oh. BTW, I am not going to buy the SH model which has that
> > > Torque steering (SH model) thing. I don't think I will need it.
> > > Beside the SH models are a bit heavier and I don't need the extra
> > > weight.
> > >
> > > signed: Prelude guy.
> >
> > Good luck finding a decent one. I have an 01 Base 5 spd with 42k miles
on
> > it -- the last year made and it's stock plus being adult driven and
> > maintained. Most I have seen have been "tricked" or "riced" out in some
> > way. Your only alternative might be the RSX S 6 spd. I plan to hold on
to
> > mine for a long time for the same reasons you want one.
>
> Yeah. I know. I used to think that it was because the people who own
> these things are children. However, I have since realized that it
> isn't just kids who drive the crap out of them. Adults like to beat
> up on sports cars, too.
>
> These people. They don't treat their cars with very good care.
>
> My friend was in the market for a boxter. She eventually had to go to
> a dealer to get one, because all the ones on the market from private
> parties were all thrashed. You would have thought that people who
> have treated expensive sports cars like the porsche with more care,
> but no. So, the point is: Yep, I do heed your point. It will be
> hard to find a decent one of those Preludes. :-(. I will probably
> have to pay a pretty penny if I want a nice one.
>
> BTW, I do see your point about the RSX type-s. Did you know that they
> only weigh about 2750 lbs? That is some good weight for a car that
> has 200HP!
>
> cheers.
>
> signed: Prelude person.

Back in the mid 60s I owned a 2nd hand 64 XKE Series Jaguar roadster.
Weight 2750 and a 265 hp DOHC 3.08 I 6. The Jag was tested at 150 with the
3.31 rear, although mine had (as I recollect) a 3.54 which meant around 135
or so. The Jag was a monocoque body, hence the light weight even with a
very heavy I 6 that weighed at least as much as a Chevy V8. But, safety
today has meant more weight.