according to the 1993 VTEC Si Helms and the 1997 Prelude helms, they have the same gear ratios 1 thru 5, and final drive.

i dont see the 4th having shorter gearing.


the 5th gen Base gives up less than 100 lbs to the 4th gen VTEC. thus weight is not a concern.

the 4th gen makes 185hp. the 5th gen 97-98 is 195hp. the 5th gen 99-2001 is 200hp... these are all considering 5sp trannies.

yes, OBD I is a big factor, but when it comes down to it, the power output to weight ratio is almost identical on both cars. it's purely a driver's race, stock to stock.