1989 Ford Probe vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Probe (140 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 15 kg more than 1989 Ford Probe.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Probe. 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, 1989 Ford Probe (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Probe 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 1989 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Probe 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:
| 1989 Ford Probe | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Probe | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
