1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 9 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 389 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Element |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
