1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (195 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (211 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Prelude | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
