1990 BMW Z1 vs. 1979 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1990 BMW Z1 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW Z1 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW Z1 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 1990 BMW Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1990 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 1979 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z1 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2330 mm |
