1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1940 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 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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 Mercedes-Benz CLC. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | CLC |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
