2009 Honda Element vs. 1988 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 21 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 291 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1988 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Prelude |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
