1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
