1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 14 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 4,171 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1061 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 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
