1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1998 Toyota Caldina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Caldina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Caldina. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Caldina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 130 kg more than 1998 Toyota Caldina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Toyota Caldina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Caldina. (155 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Caldina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1998 Toyota Caldina | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | S-MX | Caldina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2590 mm |
