1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2013 Honda Insight
To start off, 2013 Honda Insight 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2013 Honda Insight. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2013 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 80 kg more than 2013 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2013 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S-MX | Insight |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4377 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
