1986 BMW Z1 vs. 1984 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1986 BMW Z1 is newer by 2 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1984 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW Z1 weights approximately 23 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 1986 BMW Z1 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 1986 BMW Z1. 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, 1986 BMW Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 1984 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z1 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 61 L |
