2001 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2001 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 2001 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | S-MX | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2968 mm |
