1985 Austin Montego vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1985 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 222 kg more than 1985 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Austin Montego. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Austin Montego. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1985 Austin Montego has manual transmission. 1985 Austin Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Austin Montego | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | Montego | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
