1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 33 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 495 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 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Prelude | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
