1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,155 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (182 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (154 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 94 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (206 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1319 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 66 L |
