1986 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1986 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 290 kg more than 1986 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 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Prelude | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
