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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Prelude weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
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 | 1956 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1095 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 |
