1998 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 315 kg more than 1998 Honda Prelude.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
