1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Prelude will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | 280 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
