1985 Honda Prelude vs. 1995 Honda NSX
To start off, 1995 Honda NSX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Honda NSX (420 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Honda NSX weights approximately 522 kg more than 1985 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Honda NSX 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 1995 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1995 Honda NSX (414 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Prelude | 1995 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | NSX |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
