1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1989 Saab 9000
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 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (226 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. 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 1989 Saab 9000. 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (351 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Honda | Saab |
| Model | S-MX | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
