2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 10 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 252 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 2006 Chevrolet SSR. 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | SSR | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
