VS
At a Glance
Power
200hp @ 6000
227hp @ 5000
Torque
232lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
—
28 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Honda Prelude and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Prelude delivers 200hp @ 6000 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 227hp @ 5000. Pricing starts at $42,500 for the Prelude and $36,740 for the Mazda3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda Prelude2-Tone Coupe 2026 - From $42,500
Mazda Mazda32.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD 2026 - From $36,740
Performance
Power Output (hp)
200hp @ 6000
227hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
232lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
—
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
23 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
32 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
10.6gal
12.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
178.4in
183.5in
Width (in)
74in
70.7in
Height (in)
53.4in
56.9in
Wheelbase (in)
102.6in
107.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3272lbs
3413lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Prelude
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price ($36,740)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Prelude or Mazda3?
The Prelude produces 200hp @ 6000 and 232lb-ft of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 227hp @ 5000 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Prelude and Mazda3?
The Prelude starts from $42,500 and the Mazda3 from $36,740. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $5,760 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Prelude or the Mazda3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider