1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2005 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Lupo is newer by 9 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 (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 352 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. (152 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2005 Volkswagen Lupo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Lupo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2330 mm |
