2005 Acura CL vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2005 Acura CL is newer by 9 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura CL weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Acura CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2005 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura CL | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | CL | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
