1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 298 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 SLK 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 SLK. 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 SLK (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
