1999 Honda Z vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1999 Honda Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1999 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 370 kg more than 1999 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda S-MX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Z 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Z | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Z | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
