1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 7 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 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 660 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda S-MX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | S-MX | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
