1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2002 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 5 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (182 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 91 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 2002 Honda NSX 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 2002 Honda NSX. 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, 2002 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (206 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2002 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | NSX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1319 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
