1984 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 5 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 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Because 1984 BMW 316 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 1984 BMW 316. 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, 1979 Honda Prelude (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1979 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 316 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
