1984 Honda Prelude vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 980 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 545 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Prelude | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1827 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
