1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 332 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. 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 1981 Plymouth Horizon. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Honda | Plymouth |
| Model | S-MX | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
