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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 152 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
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 | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1180 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 |
