1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 17 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, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
