2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (257 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 360 kg more than 1997 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | Spider | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
