They sound similar. They do completely different things.
A Consulate General is a full diplomatic office. An honorary consulate is usually one local person working part time. Showing up at the wrong one for a visa, a passport, or a legalization means a wasted trip. Pick the office you found and the job you need done, and get the verdict first.
Capabilities vary by country and by the specific mission; this tool teaches the general rule from Visa Document Help's guides. Confirm with the office before you travel to it.
Pick the office and the job
Step 1: which office are you thinking of visiting? Step 2: what do you need it to do?
Two free verdicts per day on this connection; after that, an email unlocks unlimited verdicts for the rest of the day. Re-printing a verdict you already have is always free.
Three expensive misunderstandings
The full guide: Honorary Consulate vs Consulate General: Know the Difference Before You Go, and why the closest office is usually the wrong one.