1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1980 Toyota Carina is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Toyota Carina weights approximately 60 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Because 1980 Toyota Carina 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 1980 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Honda Prelude (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Prelude | Carina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
