1986 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 De Tomaso Pantera | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Honda |
| Model | Pantera | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
