2010 Nissan Frontier vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier is newer by 13 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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 200 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 2010 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2010 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda S-MX. 1997 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2010 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2010 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Nissan Frontier | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Nissan | Honda |
| Model | Frontier | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2486 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2510 mm |
