1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 222 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Elan has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Elan 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 | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Prelude | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2260 mm |
