1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 12 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 194 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Nissan Altima. 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima 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 | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2780 mm |
