1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 920 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 88 L |
