1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 420 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
