| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
Precise measurements of the 1978 Honda Prelude I Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4090 mm161.0 in13.4 ft |
| Width: | 1635 mm64.4 in5.4 ft |
| Height: | 1295 mm51.0 in4.2 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 170 mm6.7 in0.6 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 920 kg2028 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1360 kg2998 lbs |
The Honda Prelude I Coupe (SN), produced from 1979 to 1983, marked Honda's entry into the compact sports coupe segment with a sleek and sporty design tailored for driving enthusiasts. This first-generation Prelude featured a streamlined coupe body measuring 4090 mm (161.0 inches) in length, 1635 mm (64.4 inches) in width, and 1295 mm (51.0 inches) in height, making it a compact yet dynamic vehicle ideal for urban and spirited driving. Weighing in at a curb weight of approximately 920 kg (2028 lbs), the Prelude I was lightweight, contributing to its agile handling characteristics and efficient performance. The vehicle's maximum weight capacity reached 1360 kg (2998 lbs), allowing for practical usability without compromising its sporty nature. Ground clearance stood at 170 mm (6.7 inches), offering a balanced ride height that maintained good road grip and comfort across various road conditions. As an early model in Honda's sports coupe lineage, the Prelude I Coupe exemplified the combination of compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and sporty design, laying the foundation for subsequent generations. This generation remains notable for enthusiasts who appreciate classic Japanese sports coupes due to its precise dimensions, manageable size, and engineering focus on driving enjoyment.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Honda Prelude I Coupe a leader in its class
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The 1978 Honda Prelude I Coupe (SN) features a compact and sporty exterior with a length of 4090 mm (161.0 inches), a width of 1635 mm (64.4 inches), and a height of 1295 mm (51.0 inches). These dimensions contributed to its nimble handling and classic coupe styling during its production period from 1979 to 1983.
With a width of 1635 mm (64.4 inches), the 1978 Prelude I Coupe is narrower than many modern compact coupes, which often exceed 1700 mm (66.9 inches) in width. This slimmer profile adds to the car's lightweight feel, aiding agility, though interior space might feel tighter compared to today's vehicles.
The 1978 Prelude I Coupe has a ride height or ground clearance of 170 mm (6.7 inches). This moderate clearance ensures a good balance between sporty handling and practical usability on typical road surfaces. It helps the car remain low and aerodynamic without being overly susceptible to scraping on uneven terrain.
The curb weight of the 1978 Prelude I Coupe is 920 kg (2028 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1360 kg (2998 lbs). This relatively low weight for a coupe contributes to responsive acceleration, nimble handling, and efficient fuel consumption, making it a fun-to-drive vehicle in its era.
Yes, the 1978 Honda Prelude I Coupe fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4090 mm (161.0 inches) and width of 1635 mm (64.4 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars, allowing ample clearance within the typical garage space, which averages about 6000 mm (236 inches) in length and 3000 mm (118 inches) in width.
The 1978 Honda Prelude I was the first generation of the Prelude model line, so it did not have a predecessor to compare size-wise. It established the compact two-door coupe footprint for Honda in the late 1970s, setting a standard for sporty yet practical dimensions that later generations would evolve from.
Compared to other compact coupes from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Toyota Celica and Datsun 280ZX, the 1978 Prelude I is slightly shorter and narrower. Its compact dimensions, combined with a curb weight of 920 kg (2028 lbs), helped it deliver agile performance, though it generally offered less interior space than some of its rivals.
The 1978 Prelude I Coupe, with its compact exterior dimensions (4090 mm length and 1635 mm width), offers a cozy cabin suited for two to four occupants. While headroom and legroom are adequate for front passengers owing to the car's low height (1295 mm or 51.0 inches), rear seating is tighter, emphasizing its sporty coupe nature rather than spaciousness.
The maximum weight (gross vehicle weight) of the 1978 Prelude I Coupe is 1360 kg (2998 lbs). This includes the curb weight plus passengers and cargo. The relatively modest maximum weight capacity reflects the vehicle's lightweight sports coupe design, suggesting that it is best loaded lightly to maintain optimal handling and performance.
The 1978 Honda Prelude I Coupe (SN) marked Honda's first entry into the sport compact coupe market with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It is notable for its sleek styling, lightweight construction (920 kg or 2028 lbs curb weight), and modest dimensions that emphasize driving agility and fuel efficiency. Produced from 1979 to 1983, it laid the groundwork for Honda’s sport-oriented lineup and earned a reputation for reliability and handling, standing as an iconic early model in Honda's history.
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