1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 790 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
