1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1999 Honda NSX
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX 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 1999 Honda NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX 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 | 1999 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S-MX | NSX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
