2009 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 2009 BMW 525 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 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1997 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 525 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2155 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
