Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.
Performance
Power:
200 HP
193 HP
Torque:
211 NM
280 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
n/a seconds
8.4 seconds
Honda Prelude engine produces 7 HP more power than Mercedes CLK, but torque is 69 NM less than Mercedes CLK.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
10.4
9.9
Honda Prelude consumes 0.5 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes CLK, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Honda Prelude could require 75 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 litres
62 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
570 km in combined cycle
620 km in combined cycle
760 km on highway
830 km on highway
Mercedes CLK gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front-wheel drive cars (Honda Prelude) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mercedes CLK) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
390'000 km
520'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Mercedes CLK engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
11 years
8 years
Engine spread:
Used also on Honda Accord
Used also on Mercedes SLK
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Honda Prelude might be a better choice in this respect.
Hydraulic tappets:
no
yes
The Mercedes CLK engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure.
Dimensions
Length:
4.54 m
4.57 m
Width:
1.75 m
1.72 m
Height:
1.32 m
1.37 m
Honda Prelude is 3 cm shorter than the Mercedes CLK, 3 cm wider, while the height of Honda Prelude is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
no data
420 litres
Turning diameter:
11 meters
10.7 meters
The turning circle of the Honda Prelude is 0.3 metres more than that of the Mercedes CLK.