1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 17 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, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic 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 16 kg more than 2013 Honda Civic.
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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Honda Civic. 2013 Honda Civic 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. 2013 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S-MX | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
