1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 650 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | 1000 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
