1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 115 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
