1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 705 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 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Honda Prelude | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Prelude | S |
Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1958 cc | 4964 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |