1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1987 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1987 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 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 4,088 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 740 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.
Because 1987 Ford Fairlane 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 1987 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1987 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1987 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | Prelude | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 4088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2950 mm |
