1985 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 McLaren F1
To start off, 1998 McLaren F1 is newer by 13 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 511 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 McLaren F1 weights approximately 201 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 1998 McLaren F1 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 1998 McLaren F1. 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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Prelude | 1998 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Honda | McLaren |
| Model | Prelude | F1 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
