1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Mazda 929
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,155 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 929. (89 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Mazda 929. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mazda 929 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 1981 Mazda 929. 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1981 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 929 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
