1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 385 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1954 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Honda |
| Model | 100 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
