1997 Honda NSX vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 1 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 40 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 1997 Honda NSX 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 1997 Honda NSX. 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, 1997 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Honda NSX | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
Make | Honda | Honda |
Model | NSX | S-MX |
Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 290 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 311 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2510 mm |