1983 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Toyota MR2 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1983 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1983 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota MR2 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 2008 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2008 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Prelude | 2008 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Prelude | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
