1984 Honda Prelude vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (241 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 865 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Prelude | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1827 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
