1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1990 Saab 900
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Saab 900 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 900 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 32 kg more than 1990 Saab 900.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Saab 900. 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Saab 900. (181 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1990 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Honda | Saab |
| Model | S-MX | 900 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
