1998 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda S-MX weights approximately 86 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 1997 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
