1987 Honda Prelude vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1987 Honda Prelude. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1987 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Prelude | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 64 L |
