2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1989 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Prelude weights approximately 635 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 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 2004 Caterham 7. 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1989 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
