1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
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 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 27 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | S-MX | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
