1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 26 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-MX | 230 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
