I dunno that it was a lie, Honda if anything usually leans toward being too conservative rating HP at the cam.
Having test driven both the RSX Type S and the Prelude (and brought the Prelude) the Prelude is a much nicer handling car, better suspension IMHO, definately has better torque. I also believe that the RSX S and the Prelude are about 90 lbs different, the RSX isn't that lightweight although I dont think either car is heavy. Of course I Think that because running the qtr mile sucks ass (if I wanted a ****ing qtr mile car I woulda gotten a Mustang).

If you want to see the Prelude shine, go find a mountain-y area and bust the car up and down some twisty roads. I think it was Car and Driver? that said during the run of the 5th gen, best handling car under $30,000 and 4th best handling car period.