1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 25 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 945 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 99 L |
