2001 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (182 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 351 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 2001 BMW 520 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 2001 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2001 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (206 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 1997 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2155 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1319 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
