1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 228 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.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2537 mm |
