1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1980 Morgan 4
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Morgan 4 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 45 more horse power than 1980 Morgan 4. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1980 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 670 kg more than 1980 Morgan 4. 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 1980 Morgan 4. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Morgan 4. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1980 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Honda | Morgan |
| Model | S-MX | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
