1982 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Honda Prelude (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 135 kg more than 1982 Honda Prelude.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Honda Prelude | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
