1996 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 12 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 Honda Prelude.
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, 1996 Honda Prelude (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
