1986 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 80 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 540 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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 1986 Ford Escort. 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
