1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2008 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2008 Saturn Aura 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Aura (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Aura 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 45 kg more than 2008 Saturn Aura.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Saturn Aura (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2008 Saturn Aura 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. 2008 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2008 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | S-MX | Aura |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
