1988 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 10 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, 1988 Honda Prelude (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Prelude weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 1988 Honda Prelude (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
