1988 Honda Prelude vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 175 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 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
