1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S-MX | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
