1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 10 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 314 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 12 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3010 mm |
