1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster 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, 1990 Honda Prelude (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Prelude weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Smart Roadster 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 Smart Roadster. 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, 1990 Honda Prelude (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Prelude | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
