1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (529 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (182 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 851 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 594 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (206 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 529 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1319 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3165 mm |
