1963 Honda S500 vs. 1979 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1979 Honda Prelude is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Prelude weights approximately 194 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Honda S500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Honda Prelude (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 1979 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S500 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
