1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (242 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger weights approximately 708 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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 Mitsubishi Challenger (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Prelude | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
