1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 287 kg more than 1978 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Triumph TR7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | S-MX | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2170 mm |
