1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1974 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen 1302 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 (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 580 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volkswagen 1302 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 1974 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen 1302. (85 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1974 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
