1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 11 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 598 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | 300 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2810 mm |
