1984 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1984 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Prelude | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Prelude | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1827 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
