The Accord 4-cylinder 5-speed is actually fairly respectable in performance...within reasonable spitting distance of your Prelude actually. The V6 6-speed would give you a lot better low end power and is considerably quicker than both your Prelude and the K24A motivated versions of the Accord. But you also pay a lot more.

My advice would be to go with the V6 Accord if you want an automatic, but if you want to swing manual you won't be disappointed in the 5-speed I-4. If you pair that motor with the automatic however, you'll notice a considerable difference in performance.