i figure preludes are usually beat to hell and back like 240sxes have been
it being a honda from the fast and furious 1 period yes but the prelude was always a bastard child. Its a honda and people will rice it out because of that fact alone but they weren't the most popular ones. Mainly because its heavy and not many engine mods were offered for the H series VS the B series.
240sx and B series engines were easier to make power out of due to price of price and available of parts.
I love my prelude myself, compare that to a GLI, I think i would roll with the prelude like most stated. Both are timing belt engines. GLI should have more creature comforts, have a more costly tire option since 19in BBS were standard. They are lowered with a lip kit, which you can damage if you dont pay attention to the roads. They do have minor issues and its a roll of the dice. MPG should be in favor of the GLI.
The prelude SH, should be a 5 speed. But in stock form should be a solid car. As long as you dont pay the honda tax on it.