1998 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (146 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Honda Prelude. 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Prelude | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2640 mm |
