1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 20 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 220 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
