1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-MX | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
