1996 BMW 523 vs. 1985 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1985 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1985 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 523 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1829 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
