1988 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1988 Honda Prelude is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Prelude | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
