1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 910 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Honda Prelude | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Prelude | CLS |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 135 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |