What are the differences between Prelude imports (JDM) and UK cars?
Well, usually the specification on JDM models is much better than what was offered to the UK market, or at least more options where available. Typical options for the JDM VTEC Prelude’s were Traction Control, an LSD, Climate Control, and Electric folding door mirrors, and even dash mounted TV. It was also possible to order a car without some of the standard kit, i.e. some cars are without 4WS, air/con, electric sunroof’s. Therefore occasionally you can find a Prelude with none of these options which makes the car considerably lighter. Japanese cars have plastic rather than glass headlights which also saves weight. Also, in Japan the fuel is rated @ 100 octane which means the ecu has a different map, tuned for their fuel. The cars had higher compression pistons too, up from 10:1 to 10.6:1 and I am told slightly more agressive cam timing. This counts for the 200PS rating. In the real world though, with JDM cars running on our 95+ fuel, the performance is pretty similar.
