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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (189 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 184 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
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 (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
