2008 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1988 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1988 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
