1989 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 93 kg more than 1989 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Prelude. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Prelude | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1198 kg |
