1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 13 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 615 kg more than 1990 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | E |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| 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 |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
