The Beginning of the Story
The return of the Honda Prelude to the market caused a mixed reaction among brand fans, but a recent event at a dealership in Northern Ireland ignited a real storm on social media. The Donnelly Group Honda dealership published a ceremonial photo on Facebook of handing over the new car to a client, which quickly went viral. In the photo, the brand new Prelude stands next to a facelifted Honda S2000, and a satisfied buyer is shaking hands with a dealership employee.
Online Reaction and Post Deletion
The caption under the photo stated that the client was trading in his S2000 for a new Prelude in Racing Blue color, remaining loyal to the brand. However, this move did not find understanding in the online community. The majority of commentators sharply criticized the owner’s decision to part with the iconic rear-wheel-drive roadster in favor of a front-wheel-drive hybrid coupe.
One user noted that the buyer would instantly regret the trade, jokingly suggesting that he would end up on S2000 forums trying to buy his old car back. Another pointed out the dealership, assuming that the S2000 would most likely be quickly bought by an employee, without even making it to the used car lot.
Due to a wave of negative reactions, the dealership deleted the publication, but a screenshot was taken before it disappeared.
Technical Differences and Comparison
The new Prelude has little in common with the long-discontinued S2000, apart from the Honda emblem and the same engine displacement. The front-wheel-drive coupe, built on the Civic platform, is equipped with a self-charging hybrid powertrain producing a combined 181 hp and offering simulated gear shifting. In contrast, the rear-wheel-drive roadster is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 237 hp, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Other Purchases and Context
This particular Prelude is not the first Racing Blue example sold in Northern Ireland. The same dealer recently shared a photo of a female client who purchased an almost identical car. Interestingly, this buyer also had a history with Honda, having once owned an original Prelude.
This story perfectly illustrates how strong the emotional connection of car enthusiasts with certain iconic models can be. The S2000, with its high-revving engine and rear-wheel drive, remains an object of reverence for many enthusiasts, while the new Prelude, despite modern technology, is perceived by part of the community as a fundamentally different car. Such a reaction also shows how social media can quickly amplify public opinion, forcing even large companies to respond to it. At the same time, an individual buyer’s decision reflects personal preferences and, perhaps, a desire for the comfort and efficiency offered by a modern hybrid.