1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 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 13 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 364 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 124 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
