The Complete Honda/Acura Legend Resource 1990-1996

Honda/Acura Legend (Second Generation)

Production Versions
KA7: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1990-1996
KA7: European/Australian-spec sedan (RHD/LHD UK), 1991-1995
KA7: American-spec sedan (LHD), 1991-1995
KA8: Japan-spec coupe (RHD), 1991-1996
KA8: European/Australian-spec coupe (RHD/LHD UK), 1991-1995
KA8: American-spec coupe (LHD), 1991-1995

Production/Design Notes
Redesigned and re-engineered for the second generation, the Legend gained size and power.  The larger 3.2L SOHC V6 was mounted longitudinally — unusual for a FWD platform — and the JDM options list grew exponentially, presumably to keep pace with icons such as the Mercedes S-Class, which also launched a new iteration in 1991.  Most exterior and interior cues were retained consistantly in all markets, unlike the first-generation.  Introduced a passenger-side airbag and the world’s first manufacturer navigation system.

History
When was the second-generation Legend introduced?
It was introduced in October 1990 (in Japan) as a 1991 model. Production ended in September 1995 in all markets except South Korea, which rebadged the Legend as a Daewoo Arcadia and continued through the year 2000.

Where was the Legend sold or imported?
The Legend was sold as a Honda Legend in Japan, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and parts of China, and as an Acura Legend in Canada and the USA. Additionally, it was imported into Russia, New Zealand, South America, and several other countries.

Production Data
Honda Legend:
1990-1996 Alpha Sedan (KA7) - C32A5 – Leather/power front and rear seats, power folding mirrors, remote locking/keyless entry, power tilt/slide sunroof, ABS, rear climate control, projector headlights
1990-1996 Beta Sedan (KA7) - C32A1 –
1991-1996 Alpha Coupe (KA8) - C32A5 – Leather/power front seats, power folding mirrors, remote locking/keyless entry, power tilt/slide sunroof, ABS, projector headlights
1991-1996 Beta Coupe (KA8) - C32A1 -
1992-1995 Alpha Touring Sedan (KA7) - C32A5 – wood trim, leather seats, remote locking/keyless entry, power tilt/slide sunroof, Honda Progressive Damper suspension, upgraded brake calipers, 16″ wheels, Luxman premium sound, 14-way adjustable front seats
1992-1995 Alpha Touring Coupe (KA8) - C32A5 – Honda Progressive Damper suspension, upgraded brake calipers, 16″ wheels, Luxman premium sound, 14-way adjustable front seats

Acura Legend (USDM):
1991-1993 Sedan  (KA7) - C32A1 – Power windows/locks/mirrors
1991-1992 Sedan L (KA7) - C32A1 – Leather seats, memory position driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, heated mirrors, moonroof
1993-1995 Sedan L (KA7) - C32A1 – 100 watt Bose sound system, all body colored exterior trim, simulated dark wood interior trim, power tilt and telescoping steering column (94-95)
1995 Sedan Special Edition (KA7) – C32A1 - L features plus two tone paint, 7-spoke alloy wheels, a CD changer, the Bose Premium sound system, Special Edition floor mats
1991-1992 Sedan LS (KA7) - C32A1 – passenger airbag, power passenger’s seat, digital climate control,
80-watt Bose sound system, burlwood interior trim, interior floor lights, all body-colored trim, heated seats (1992)
1993-1995 Sedan LS (KA7) - C32A1 – 200 watt Bose Premium sound system
1994-1995 Sedan GS (KA7) - C32A5 – upgraded coupe suspension, upgraded front brakes, LS coupe 16-inch wheels, body-colored front grille, 6-speed manual option, 160-mph speedometer, traction control
1991-1992 Coupe L (KA8) - C32A1 – Leather seats, memory position driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, heated mirrors, moonroof
1993-1995 Coupe L (KA8) - C32A5 – 100 watt Bose sound system, all body colored exterior trim, simulated dark wood interior trim, power tilt and telescoping steering column (94-95), 6-speed manual option, 160-mph speedometer, traction control
1993-1995 Coupe LS (KA8) - C32A5 – 200 watt Bose Premium sound system, 16 inch alloy wheels, body colored lower exterior trim (94-95)

Drivetrain
Engines (JDM/EDM-spec)
C32A1 – 3.2L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 215 @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 220 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Bore/Stroke: 90×84mm

C32A5 – 3.2L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 232 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 213 @ 5200 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Bore/Stroke: 90×84mm

Engines (US-spec)
C32A1 – 3.2L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 202 @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 210 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Bore/Stroke: 90×84mm

C32A5 – 3.2L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 230 @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 206 @ 5000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Bore/Stroke: 90×84mm

What kind of gearboxes were available in the Legend?
There were several different gearboxes fitted to the Legend.  The USDM Legends are the only versions to receive manual transmissions.  The 5-speed manual had the following ratios:
1991-1993 – 2.937/1.692/1.060/0.769/0.581/R 2.200/Final 4.505
1994-1995 – SAME/R 3.185/Final 4.491

The 6-speed manual had the following ratios:
1993-1995 – 2.937/1.692/1.151/0.868/0.682/0.521/R 3.186/Final 4.491

The 4-speed automatic had the following ratios:
1991-1993 – 2.476/1.451/0.973/0.630/R 1.809/Final 4.370
1994-1995 – SAME/R 1.761/Final 4.367

Chassis
How is the Legend suspension set up?
While retaining the previous model’s double-wishbone setup, part of the new drivetrain layout is an all-new design featuring a unique aluminum front subframe, lighter and more rigid compared to the previous steel subframe.  New L-shaped lower arms (along with the new large-angle CV joints) take advantage of the longitudinal engine’s smaller lateral space requirement to allow a 2.3-ft. reduction in turning circle.  Antisway bars measured 28.6mm front and 19.1mm rear, with thicker walls on the front sway bar for the ‘93-95 coupes and 94-94 sedan GS models.  Spring rates are 118 lb/in front and 120 lb/in rear — considerably softer than the previous generation.

What kind of brakes does the Legend have?
Every Legend has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The vented front and rear rotors measure 11.1 inches (280mm) in diameter with the ‘93-95 coupes and ‘94-95 sedan GS models upgraded with 5mm thicker rotors in the front, plus dual-piston calipers.

What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the Legend?
All models are fitted with 205/60R15 tires, except ‘93-95 coupe LS and ‘94-95 sedan GS models, which were equipped with 215/55/R16 tires.  The 1991-92 sedans had 20-spoke alloys, while the 1993-95 sedans switched to 16-spoke alloys. All coupe L, 1991-92 LS and 1995 sedan SE models shared a 7-spoke design, and 1993-95 coupe LS and 1994-95 sedan GS models were upgraded with 16″ 5-spoke wheels. Optional premium upgrade wheels featured a different 5-spoke design, and could be specified in gold or silver finish.