1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 242 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Toyota Corolla. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | S-MX | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
