1985 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 386 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1050 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 644 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Prelude | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
