1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 is newer by 33 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 470 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Because 2012 BMW M5 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 2012 BMW M5. 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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 545 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2012 BMW M5 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. 2012 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Prelude | M5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1455 mm |
