1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 16 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 29 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 226 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Fiat 500. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 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. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Fiat |
| Model | S-MX | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2301 mm |
