2011 Nissan Frontier vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX.
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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Frontier | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Nissan | Honda |
| Model | Frontier | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2510 mm |
