2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 30 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 2008 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Nitro 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:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Nitro | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
