1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2001 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 355 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 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda S-MX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander 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, 2001 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2001 Toyota Highlander 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. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | S-MX | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
