The NMAX and the SH160i are the two status scooters of Vietnamese city streets - one Japanese-premium from Yamaha, one Italian-styled Honda icon. Both come with verified manufacturer data, so this comparison sticks to published figures (Yamaha and Honda Vietnam pages, retrieved 23 September 2026).
Engine
The SH160i’s 156.9 cc eSP+ engine publishes 12.4 kW at 8,500 rpm and 14.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm; the NMAX’s 155.1 cc Blue Core VVA publishes 11.3 kW at 8,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. On paper the SH is slightly ahead on both figures; in the city both are far more than quick enough, and the SH’s premium comes as much from badge and resale as from acceleration.
Safety hardware
NMAX: dual-channel ABS (discs front and rear) plus traction control. SH160i: ABS on both wheels plus Honda’s HSTC traction control on the Sport, Special and Premium versions. This is the closest equipment fight in the Vietnamese scooter market - both flagships protect both ends of the braking equation. Our TCS vs ABS guide explains what each layer does.
Size and comfort
The SH160i is the bigger, heavier machine: 134 kg against 131 kg, seat 799 mm against 770 mm. The SH’s 16-inch front wheel (100/80-16) gives it motorway stability that the NMAX’s 13-inch wheels cannot match - the classic SH trait covered in our 16-inch wheel guide. The NMAX counters with a roomier two-level seat.
Storage and range
SH160i: 28 litres underseat, 7-litre tank, published 2.34 L/100 km. NMAX: 24 litres, 7.1-litre tank, 2.26 L/100 km. The SH carries more, the NMAX travels slightly further per litre.
Price
Honda listed the SH160i Sport at 104,490,000 VND; Yamaha listed the NMAX from 69,000,000 VND. That gap is the SH’s badge premium in one number.
Verdict
The SH160i buys status, 16-inch stability and Honda’s strongest resale. The NMAX buys nearly identical safety hardware and 35 million VND of change. Renters: neither is a price-published rental model - contact us to confirm current availability - and both deserve the full rental inspection checklist before you ride away.