1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 783 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 622 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
