1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,893 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
