1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2006 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 215 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 2006 Lexus IS 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 2006 Lexus IS. 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 2006 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2006 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Prelude will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2006 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Prelude | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
