1997 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1997 Suzuki Samurai 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 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 61 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 400 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda S-MX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai 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 (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Suzuki Samurai | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Suzuki | Honda |
| Model | Samurai | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
