1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 15 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 1,956 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Prelude weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
