1999 BMW 323 vs. 1989 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1989 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 352 kg more than 1989 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 BMW 323 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 1999 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Prelude. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1989 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 323 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
