1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 615 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
