2001 Honda S-MX vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 130 kg more than 2001 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
