1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 543 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
