Compare the2026 Ford MustangVS 2026 Honda Prelude

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Mustang are reminded to check the back seat. The Prelude doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Mustang and Prelude have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Mustang has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Prelude’s Cross Traffic Monitor doesn’t automatically brake.

The Mustang has standard 911 Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Prelude doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Mustang and the Prelude have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are almost 3 times as many Ford dealers as there are Honda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Mustang first among sporty cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Prelude isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Mustang EcoBoost’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 115 more horsepower (315 vs. 200) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 232) than the Prelude’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 280 more horsepower (480 vs. 200) and 183 lbs.-ft. more torque (415 vs. 232) than the Prelude’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Mustang GT’s optional 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 286 more horsepower (486 vs. 200) and 186 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 232) than the Prelude’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Mustang Dark Horse’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 300 more horsepower (500 vs. 200) and 186 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 232) than the Prelude’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The Mustang has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Prelude (16 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Prelude doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Mustang Dark Horse’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Prelude:

The Mustang’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Prelude are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Prelude (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. 235/40R19).

The Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Prelude’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Mustang offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Prelude’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Mustang has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Prelude’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mustang’s wheelbase is 4.4 inches longer than on the Prelude (107 inches vs. 102.6 inches).

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Prelude doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Mustang Fastback has .4 inches more front headroom, 2.2 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front hip room and 1.7 inches more rear headroom than the Prelude.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Mustang. The Prelude doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Mustang has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Prelude has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Mustang is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Prelude. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Mustang Automatic has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Prelude doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Mustang’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Prelude has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Honda Prelude isn’t available as a convertible.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Mustang, based on reliability, safety and performance.