1989 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1989 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 397 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Prelude | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Passat |
| 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 | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2712 mm |
