1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 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 2005 Mazda 3. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S-MX | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
