1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 27 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (214 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 670 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 214 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
