1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 18 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
