1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX 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 28 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 228 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. 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 2012 Fiat 500. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Fiat |
| Model | S-MX | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2301 mm |
