1986 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Honda S2000
To start off, 2009 Honda S2000 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1986 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda S2000 weights approximately 509 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.
Because 2009 Honda S2000 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 2009 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 2009 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda S2000 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 S2000 | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 96.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
