1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona 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 (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | S-MX | Corona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
