1994 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1994 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1994 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Honda Prelude. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1994 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1994 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Honda Prelude | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 3 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
