1997 BMW 318 vs. 1985 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 12 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 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 470 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 1997 BMW 318 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 1997 BMW 318. 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1985 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1829 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
