2005 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1978 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
