1988 Honda Prelude vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 96 kg more than 1988 Honda Prelude.
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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
