VS
At a Glance
Power
315hp @ 6500
200hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 2600
232lb-ft
Fuel
25 mpg est.
—
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Honda Civic Type R and the Honda Prelude is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Civic Type R delivers 315hp @ 6500 while the Honda Prelude produces 200hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $47,395 for the Civic Type R and $42,500 for the Prelude. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda Civic Type RManual 2026 - From $47,395
Honda Prelude2-Tone Coupe 2026 - From $42,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
315hp @ 6500
200hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 2600
232lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
10.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
180.8in
178.4in
Width (in)
74.4in
74in
Height (in)
55.4in
53.4in
Wheelbase (in)
107.7in
102.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3188lbs
3272lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic Type R
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Prelude
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic Type R
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Honda Prelude
Lower starting price ($42,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Civic Type R or Prelude?
The Civic Type R produces 315hp @ 6500 and 310lb-ft @ 2600 of torque while the Prelude delivers 200hp @ 6000 and 232lb-ft of torque. The Civic Type R is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic Type R and Prelude?
The Civic Type R starts from $47,395 and the Prelude from $42,500. The Prelude is cheaper by $4,895 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Civic Type R or the Prelude?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider