On September 5, 2025, Honda’s iconic sports coupe, the Prelude, will be revived for the first time in 24 years. However, its price has surprised many car enthusiasts. The price in Japan will start at 6,179,800 yen (tax included), significantly higher than the 5,497,800 yen of the Nissan Z, another Japanese sports car.
Price Comparison: Prelude vs Nissan Z, Interesting Fuel Economy and Horsepower Differences
New Prelude (2025 model)
- Price : From 6,179,800 yen (Limited edition Honda ON Limited Edition is 6,480,000 yen)
- Powertrain : e:HEV hybrid system (2.0L + electric motor)
- Output : Approx. 200ps (estimated)
- WLTC mode fuel economy : Excellent fuel efficiency of 23.6km/L thanks to hybrid
Nissan Z (2025 model)
- Price : From 5,398,800 yen (From 5,497,800 yen from October 2025)
- Powertrain : VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 twin turbo
- Output : 405ps/475Nm
- Transmission : 6-speed MT/9-speed AT
- WLTC mode fuel economy : 10.2km/L
Nissan-Z
What is noteworthy is the difference in horsepower. The Nissan Z produces 405ps, while the Prelude produces about 200ps, which is about twice the horsepower of the Nissan Z. This indicates that the Prelude is designed with an emphasis on hybrid technology.
Why is the Prelude so expensive?
1. Premium positioning strategy
The new Prelude is based on the Civic, but is positioned as a more premium and sporty coupe. In fact, it is priced significantly higher than the Civic Type R, which starts at 4,997,300 yen.
2. Advanced hybrid technology
The e:HEV system is an advanced hybrid system that combines a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The price reflects the investment in technology that balances environmental performance with driving pleasure.
3. Luxurious standard equipment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9-inch infotainment display (with Google Built-in)
- BOSE premium sound system (8 speakers)
- Leather and suede combination seats
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Heated seats
Price comparison with other Japanese sports cars
Comparison with GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra (4-cylinder model) starts at 4,995,000 yen, which is about 1.18 million yen cheaper than the Prelude. Interestingly, the GR Supra’s 4-cylinder turbo engine produces 255 horsepower, which is more powerful than the Prelude, yet it is priced lower.
Price difference with GR86
GR86-RZ-Yellow Limited
Even the top-of-the-line Toyota GR86 model, the RZ “Yellow Limited,” costs 3,897,000 yen (6MT), which means the price difference with the Prelude is about 2,280,000 yen.
What makes the new Prelude unique?
Design concept “Glider”
The new Prelude’s design takes inspiration from gliders, engineless aircraft, an influence that is evident in its low nose profile, flowing lines and wing-like LED headlights.
Honda S+ Shift System
Honda Prelude
Although it’s a hybrid system, the Honda S+ Shift system simulates gear changes with sound effects and torque mapping, giving the CVT a manual transmission feel.
Inheriting technology from the Civic Type R
The Prelude is equipped with technologies inherited from the Civic Type R, including:
- Adaptive Damper
- Wider tread
- Brembo front brake
- Dual axis front suspension
Market launch and production planning
Honda will begin accepting orders in Japan from September 5, 2025, with a limited production capacity of 300 units per month. This low production volume is also thought to be one of the reasons for the premium price.
Summary: How to balance price and performance
The new Prelude is certainly priced on the high side, but that’s due to a few factors:
- Investing in advanced hybrid technology
- Rare due to limited production
- Premium equipment and materials
- A special feeling of revival after 24 years
While the Nissan Z has a pure gasoline engine that produces 405 hp, the Prelude is an environmentally friendly hybrid that produces approximately 200 hp. Although the horsepower difference is twice as great, the Nissan Prelude is far ahead in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.
This is an interesting contrast that symbolizes the challenge of “power vs. environmental performance” facing the modern automotive industry. Which one to choose depends on the driver’s values and intended use. It will be interesting to see how the new Prelude is received in the market.
