1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Nissan Armada
To start off, 2012 Nissan Armada 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Armada weights approximately 1176 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Armada 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 2012 Nissan Armada. 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, 2012 Nissan Armada (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2012 Nissan Armada 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 Nissan Armada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2012 Nissan Armada | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | Armada |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5276 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2014 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3129 mm |
