1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 6 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 155 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mitsubishi Lancer (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 | 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | S-MX | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
