1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1989 Mazda 323
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 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 284 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda 323. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S-MX | 323 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
