1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 14 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 694 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 422 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2875 mm |
