1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 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.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
