1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 217 kg more than 2002 Honda S-MX. 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 1996 Ford Mustang. 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
