2004 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 8 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 2004 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
