1984 Holden Commodore vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1984 Holden Commodore. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1984 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 110 kg more than 1984 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Holden Commodore 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 1984 Holden Commodore. 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, 1984 Holden Commodore (232 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1984 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1984 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1984 Holden Commodore 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:
| 1984 Holden Commodore | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Holden | Honda |
| Model | Commodore | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
