1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 34 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
