1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1990 Mazda 929
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 929. (110 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 929 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mazda 929. 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 929. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1990 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S-MX | 929 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
