The fifth generation retained a FF layout with an independent front suspension and 63/37 weight distribution. Most fifth-generation Honda Preludes came with 16-inch (410 mm) aluminium alloy wheels with all-season 205/50 R16 87V tires. The 2.0i and JDM Si trims came with 195/60 R15 88H, and the JDM Xi came with 14 steel wheels. Unlike the US market Preludes, JDM Preludes came with rear wind screen wipers, except for the Xi. Most Prelude models now featured the 11.1 front brakes that the '96 VTEC model came with, and most Preludes also received a 5-lug hub, as opposed to the 4-lug wheel hub of older models.The fifth-generation Prelude marked a return to the more square body style of the late 1980s, or third generation, in an attempt to curb slumping sales of the fourth-generation body style. The fifth-generation was assembled and distributed to many parts of the world, including Japan, the UK, the US, and Germany, among others. All models and trim packages stayed within the BB-chassis code (BB5-BB9) and housed either an H-series or F-Series engine:All fifth generation Preludes had a fuel tank capacity of 60 l (16 US gal).One version of the fifth generation Prelude, a high-performance model called the Type S, was only available in Japan. It was equipped with the 2.2 L H22A, featuring VTEC and producing 223 hp (166 kW; 226 PS) @ 7200 rpm and 163 lbf·ft (221 N·m) @ 6500 rpm. With a compression ratio of 11.0:1, 87.0 mm (3.4 in) bore x 90.7 mm (3.6 in) stroke and VTEC-valve timing, lift and duration were adjusted to 12.2 mm (0.5 in) intake and 11.2 mm (0.4 in) exhaust. Honda also overhauled the air box and replaced it with a more efficient design that is often referred to as Dynamic Chambering, along with a larger throttle body design bored to 62 mm (as opposed to the previous 60 mm). The exhaust system was also treated to a redesign, with the pipe cross sections becoming more cylindrical rather than oval. The three-way catalytic converter was also increased in size, as well as the exhaust piping from 2 to 2ј in (51 to 57 mm) (tToV). In addition to a higher output engine both Type S and USDM Type SH featured an overhauled front suspension layout which offered a more effective camber curve. The fifth generation curb weight was 1310 kg (2882 lb), and ground clearance was 140 mm (5.5 in). Unlike the SiR S-spec that had an LSD, the Type S acquired the Honda technology known as the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). The gearing on the Type S matches all other fifth-generation Preludes that had a manual transmission except for the five-speed 2.2 VTi VTEC and had a final drive ratio of 4.266:1. The Type S had an Active Control ABS system, different from the others which had the standard ABS systems. The interior featured newly developed Cabron and Excene upholstered seats which most people see it as leather and alcantara laced with red stitching. Manufacturer styling options included seat lettering. The exterior styling of fifth generation Preludes was standardized for most models. All had a sunroof except for the Type S model.Honda also released a special edition 5th generation Prelude, called Motegi. The name of this special edition derives from the ‘twin-ring Motegi’ (Tsuin Rinku Motegi) motor-racing circuit, located in Haga District, Tochigi, Japan. This track was built in 1997 by Honda as part of their effort to bring the IndyCar series to Japan.The Motegi edition Prelude featured an OEM Honda body kit, 17 Honda alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension and a Motegi badge on the boot lid. All of these items were optional on non-Motegi models with the exception of the boot lid badge.The MSDM fifth-generation Preludes also saw enhancements in the engine, with the full line now offering VTEC H22A4 engines, an evolution of the H22A1 with higher flowing heads, making 195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) @ 7000 rpm and 156 lbf·ft (212 N·m) @ 5250 rpm from 1997 to 1999, and the same torque readings with 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) @ 7000 rpm from 1999 to 2001 with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. In some countries, the Prelude was also offered with a base 2.0 L 133 bhp (99 kW; 135 PS) engine. The USDM fifth-generation had a Type SH (Super-Handling) trim which featured the ATTS, and, along with the five-speed base model, shared the same gearing as the Type S and SiR-S spec trims in Japan. This system allowed Honda to overcome the limitations of front-wheel drive somewhat, and in 1997, Car and Driver named the Prelude Type SH the best-handling car under $30,000.In the fifth generation Prelude, all models with an automatic transmission featured SportShift technology. This 4-speed transmission allowed the driver to manually change gears in a manner similar to the Porsche tiptronic system. Gear selection was enabled by sliding the shifter horizontally from D4, the standard automatic position, to a separate track that allowed the shifter to be pushed forwards or backwards. At the time of the Prelude's release, this type of feature was relatively rare, having been recently introduced in the Porsche 911 in the early 90's, but soon afterwards it became common in many sport coupйs and sedans.[1]Sales were not strong, particularly due to competition from Honda's other offerings. The Coupe version of the sixth-generation Accord received an exclusive front fascia, rear tail lights, wheels and many other body panels, being now marketed as a somewhat separate model from the family-oriented sedan, though its sedan roots gave it much more utility than the reportedly cramped Prelude. The sixth-generation Civic Coupe Si has also gained a reputation in its own right and was considerably less expensive than the Prelude.1st Gen (1979-1982): 171,829 2nd Gen (1983-1987): 336,599 3rd Gen (1988-1991): 160,909 4th Gen (1992-1996): 98,627 5th Gen (1997-2001): 58,118Total Production: 826,082In Australia, the safety performance of Honda Preludes manufactured between 1983 and 2002 was assessed in the Buyers Guide to used Car Safety Ratings 2006, which was published by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) (a New South Wales, Australia, government agency)[2]. This publication concluded that the level of occupant protection in Preludes from 1983 to 1996 was at an average level, while in Preludes from 1997 to 2002 is significantly better than average.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda Preludes of different model years[3].The Prelude was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list ten times: three times from 1984 to 1986, and then seven times from 1992 to 1998.Through the years, several German companies have converted Preludes into convertibles. Currently, there have been convertibles made from the first, second and fourth generation Preludes.First generation Preludes were modified by a company called Tropic Design, located in Germany. In all, they modified 47 Preludes, most of which were exported to Japan . Very few have remained in Europe, initially all in Germany. Some have been sold over time to nearby countries, at least one to the Netherlands, one to France and one to Belgium.Second generation Preludes were modified by another German company; some 100 Preludes were modified. No DOHC engine-equipped models have been known to be converted into convertibles, however. Three versions were available: a basic version, one which had more luxurious options, and one which added a body kit.Of the fourth generation Preludes, only some 15 were modified into a convertible by German company Honda-Autohaus Manfred Ernst. No details are known about the engine types and other specifics. Since only 15 were ever made, they are assumed by many to be custom-built.