1980 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1997 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda S-MX weights approximately 545 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
