1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 12 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 174 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Element |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
