1990 Honda Prelude vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Prelude weights approximately 37 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
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, 1999 Kia Elan (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Prelude | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
