1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 74 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 475 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Honda |
| Model | Chevette | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
