1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 30 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
