1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 54 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 389 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla 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:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | Corolla | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 941 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
