1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 6 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 330 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 2003 Cadillac CTS 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Honda | Cadillac |
| Model | Prelude | CTS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
