2008 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 12 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 2008 BMW 316 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 2008 BMW 316. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 316 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 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 | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
