1974 Honda Life vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life 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 (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 840 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Honda Life. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1974 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1974 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Life | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
