1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 505 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 CLS 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 CLS. 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 CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
