1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 4 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (179 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 493 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.
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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2001 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Prelude | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2740 mm |
