2009 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 31 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 635 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 2009 BMW 530 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 530. 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, 2009 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1978 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 530 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
