1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 16 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, 1988 Honda Prelude (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 22 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, 1988 Honda Prelude (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (155 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic 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. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
