1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda NSX 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 1998 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 1998 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | NSX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
