1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2008 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2008 Smart ForTwo 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 2008 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart ForTwo. 2008 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | S-MX | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1870 mm |
