1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 BMW 650
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 31 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 1045 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 2009 BMW 650 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 2009 BMW 650. 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, 2009 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2009 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Prelude | 650 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
