2005 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Honda Prelude

To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 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 23 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.

Compare all specifications:

2005 BMW 318 1979 Honda Prelude
Make BMW Honda
Model 318 Prelude
Year Released 2005 1979
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 90 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 280 Nm 135 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
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
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