1984 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 575 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1827 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
