1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2001 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 22 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 410 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.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2001 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
