1998 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Prelude weights approximately 119 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Prelude | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
