1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1989 Holden Barina
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Holden Barina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Holden Barina 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 (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1989 Holden Barina. (67 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 600 kg more than 1989 Holden Barina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Barina. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Barina. 1989 Holden Barina 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. 1989 Holden Barina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1989 Holden Barina | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | S-MX | Barina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2250 mm |
