1984 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 21 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 1,827 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 381 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 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1827 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
