1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (195 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 314 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (211 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1381 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
