1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Honda Prelude (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
