2002 Honda S-MX vs. 1985 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 355 kg more than 1985 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 1985 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S-MX | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1829 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
