1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1986 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Alto 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 92 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 700 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Alto. 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 1986 Suzuki Alto. 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1986 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | S-MX | Alto |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2180 mm |
