1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 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 2,948 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 663 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
